It was me she went to see, but she didn't know it. I've just
been married to Miss Peckover. Sit down again, father, and let's
talk over things quietly.'
'Married to Miss Peckover?' repeated the old man, as if making an
effort to understand the words. 'Then why didn't you come here
before?'
Joseph gave the explanation which he had already devised for the
benefit of his daughter. His manner of speaking was meant to be very
respectful, but it suggested that he looked upon the hearer as
suffering from feebleness of mind, as well as of body. He
supplemented his sentences with gestures and smiles, glancing about
the room meantime with looks of much curiosity.
'So you've been living here a long time, father? It was uncommonly
good of you to take care of my girl. I dare say you've got so used
to having her by you, you wouldn't care for her to go away now?'
'Do you wish to take Jane away?' Michael inquired gravely.
'No, no; not I! Why, it's nothing but her duty to keep you company
and be what use she can. She's happy enough, that I can see. Well,
well; I've gone through a good deal since the old days, father, and
I'm not what you used to know me.
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