He had not fathomed his mind, got at the prime motive of
his being. Moreover, he felt that the old man was waiting for some
moment, or some event, to make revelation of himself. Since Joseph's
appearance, it had become more noticeable than ever that Snowdon
suffered from some agitation of the mind; Sidney had met his eyes
fixed upon him in a painful interrogation, and seemed to discern the
importunity of a desire that was refused utterance. His own
condition was affected by sympathy with this restlessness, and he
could not overcome the feeling that some decisive change was at hand
for him. Though nothing positive justified the idea, he began to
connect this anticipation of change with the holiday that was
approaching, the week to be spent in Essex at the end of July. It
had been his fear that Joseph's presence might affect these
arrangements, but Michael was evidently resolved to allow nothing of
the kind. One evening, a fortnight before the day agreed upon for
leaving town, and when Joseph had made a call in Hanover Street, the
old man took occasion to speak of the matter. Joseph accepted the
information with his usual pliancy.
'I only wish my wife and me could join you,' he remarked.
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