Excellent Mrs. Byass was as good a
guardian as could anywhere be found, and Jane's discretion forbade
any fear on her account when--business should take him away.
'Well now, we've talked quite long enough. Don't think for a moment
that you hadn't your grandfather's confidence, my dear; it would be
distressing yourself wholly without reason--wholly. Be a good girl--why,
there you see; I speak to you as if you were a child. And so you are,
poor little girl--far too young to have worldly troubles. No, no;
I must relieve you of all that, until--Well now, I'll leave you for
to-day. Good-bye, my dear.'
He kissed her cheek, but Jane, sobbing a little, put her pure lips
to his. Joseph looked about him for an instant as if he had
forgotten something, then departed with what seemed unnecessary
haste.
Jane and Mrs. Byass had a long talk before dinner-time. Mystery was
at an end between them now; they talked much of the past, more of
the future.
At two o'clock Jane received a visit from Miss Lant. This lady was
already apprised by her friend Mr. Percival of all that had come to
pass; she was prepared to exercise much discretion, but Jane soon
showed her that this was needless, The subject of pressing
importance to the latter was Pennyloaf's disastrous circumstances;
unable to do all she wished, Jane was much relieved when her
charitable friend proposed to set off to Merlin Place forthwith and
ascertain how help could most effectually be given.
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