'Janey.'
' Yes, father.'
'I wonder whether I'm doing wrong to your grandfather in speaking to
you confidentially like this? I can't believe he notices things as I
do; he'd never wish you to be unhappy.'
'But I don't quite understand, father. What do you mean about Mr.
Kirkwood? Why should he--'
The impulse failed her. A fear which she had harboured for many
weary days was being confirmed and she could not ask directly for
the word that would kill hope.
'Have I a right to tell you? I thought perhaps you understood.'
'As you have gone So far, I think you must explain. I don't see how
you can be doing wrong.'
'Poor Kirkwood! You see, he's in such a delicate position, my dear.
I think myself that he's acting rather strangely, after everything;
but it's--it's your money, Jane. He doesn't think he ought to ask
you to marry him, under the circumstances.'
She trembled.
'Now who should stand by you, in a case like this, if not your own
father? Of course he can't say a word to you himself; and of course
you can't say a word to him; and altogether it's a pitiful
business.'
Jane shrank from discussing such a topic with her father.
Pages:
573
574
575
576
577
578
579
580
581
582
583
584
585
586
587
588
589
590
591
592
593
594
595
596
597