That was why he destroyed his will. And I
thought he had forgiven me! I thought he trusted me again! O
grandfather!'
Snowdon was astonished at the explanation of his own good luck, and
yet more at Jane's display of feeling. So quiet, so reserved as he
had always known her, she seemed to have become another person. For
some moments he could only gaze at her in wonder. Never yet had he
heard, never again would he hear, the utterance of an emotion so
profound and so noble.
'Jane--try and control yourself, my dear. Let's talk it over,
Jane.'
'I feel as if it would break my heart. I thought I had that one
thing to comfort me. It's like losing him again--losing his
confidence. To think I should have disappointed him in just what he
hoped more than anything!'
'But you're mistaken,' Joseph exclaimed, a generous feeling for once
getting the better of prudence. 'Listen, my dear, and I'll explain
to you. I hadn't finished when you interrupted me.'
She clasped her hands upon her lap and gazed at him in eager appeal.
'Did he say anything to you, father?'
'No--and you may be quite sure that if he _hasn't_ trusted you, he
_would_have said something.
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