'Janey, shall you be
offended if I speak about Mr. Kirkwood?'
'No, father.'
She tried in vain to continue sewing.
'My dear--I believe there's no actual engagement between you?'
'Oh no, father,' she replied, faintly.
'And yet--don't be angry with me, my child--I think you are
something more than friends?'
She made no answer.
'And I can't help thinking, Janey--I think about you very often
indeed--that Mr. Kirkwood has rather exaggerated views about the
necessity of--of altering things between you.'
Quite recently Joseph had become aware of the under. standing
between Michael and Kirkwood. The old man still hesitated to break
the news to Jane, saying to himself that it was better for Sidney to
prepare her by the change in his behaviour.
'Of altering things?' Jane repeated, under her breath.
'It seems to me wrong--wrong to both of you,' Joseph pursued, in a
pathetic voice. 'I can't help noticing my child's looks. I know she
isn't what she used to be, poor little girl! And I know Kirkwood
isn't what he used to be. It's very hard, and I feel for you--for
both of you.'
Jane sat motionless, not daring to lift her eyes, scarcely daring to
breathe.
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