'That, too, had better wait, Mr. Snowdon,' he said, after a pause of
a minute. 'I should like her to know everything before I speak to
her in that way. In a year it will be time enough.'
Michael regarded him thoughtfully.
'Perhaps you are right. I wish you knew Mr. Percival; but there is
time, there is time. He still thinks I shall be persuaded to alter
my plans. That night you came to Hanover Street and found me away,
he took me to see a lady who works among the poor in Clerkenwell;
she knew me by name, because Mr. Percival had given her money from
me to use, but we'd never seen each other till then. He wants me to
ask her opinion about Jane.'
'Has he spoken of her to the lady, do you think?'
'Oh no!' replied the other, with perfect confidence. 'He has
promised me to keep all that a secret as long as I wish. The lady--
her name is Miss Lant--seemed all that my friend said she was, and
perhaps Jane might do well to make her acquaintance some day; but
that mustn't be till Jane knows and approves the purpose of my life
and hers. The one thing that troubles me still, Sidney, is--her
father. It's hard that I can't be sure whether my son will be a help
or a hindrance.
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