Thrusting his hand into his pocket he brought out half-a-crown.
Then:
'Your humble friend's in a sad condition, I'm afraid, Jane?'
'She is, father.'
'Suppose you give her this! Every little helps, you know.'
Jane received the coin and murmured thanks for his kindness, but
could not help betraying some surprise. Joseph was on the watch for
this. It gave him his exquisite opportunity.
'You're surprised at me offering you money, Jane? I believe your
poor grandfather led you to suppose that--that his will was made
almost entirely in your favour?'
Jane could not reply; she searched his face.
'Would it disappoint you very much, my child,' he continued,
sympathetically, 'if it turned out that he had either' altered his
mind or by some accident had neglected to make his will? I speak as
your father, Janey, and I think I have some knowledge of your
character. I think I know that you are as free from avarice as
anyone could be.'
Was it true? he began to ask himself. Why, then, had her countenance
fallen? Why did such a look of deep distress pass over it?
'The fact is, Janey,' he continued, hardening himself a little as he
noted her expression, 'your grandfather left no will.
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