His position in Mr. Percival's office of course made
it natural that Scawthorne should have a knowledge of the girl's
story. When he had established himself in Mrs. Byass's rooms, he
mentioned the fact casually to his friends, making it appear that,
in seeking lodgings, he had come upon these by haphazard.
He could not but feel something of genuine interest in a girl who,
for whatever reason, declined a sufficient allowance and chose to
work for her living. The grounds upon which Jane took this decision
were altogether unknown to him until an explanation came from her
father. Joseph, when news of the matter reached him, was disposed to
entertain suspicions; with every care not to betray his own
whereabouts, he wrote to Jane, and in due time received a reply, in
which Jane told him truly her reasons for refusing the money. These
Joseph communicated to Scawthorne, and the latter's interest was
still more strongly awakened.
He was now on terms of personal acquaintance, almost of friendship,
with Jane. Miss Lant, he was convinced, did not speak of her too
praisingly. Not exactly a pretty girl, though far from displeasing
in countenance; very quiet, very gentle, with much natural
refinement.
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