My visit
this morning is on matters of business; no doubt she will tell you
the principal points of our conversation afterwards. An excellent
friend you have been to her, Mrs. Byass--excellent.'
'I'm sure I don't see how anyone could help liking her,' said
Bessie, inwardly delighted with the expectation of hearing at length
what Jane's circumstances really were.
'Indeed, so good a friend,' pursued Joseph, 'that I'm afraid it
would distress her if she could no longer live with you. And the
fact is'--he bent forward and smiled sadly--'I'm sure I may
speak freely to you, Mrs. Byass--but the fact is, that I'm very
doubtful indeed whether she could be happy if she lived with Mrs.
Snowdon. I suppose there's always more or less difficulty where
step-children are concerned, and in this case--well, I fear the
incompatibility would be too great. To be sure, it places me in a
difficult position. Jane's very young--very young; only just
turned seventeen, poor child! Out of the question for her to live
with strangers. I had some hopes--I wonder whether I ought to
speak of it? You know Mr. Kirkwood?'
'Yes, indeed. I can't tell you how surprised I was, Mr.
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