He went on to relate that his position in the office of Percival & Peel was now nominally that of an articled clerk, and that in three years’ time, if all went well, he would be received in the firm as junior partner.

’There’s only one little project I am sorry to give up, in connection with your affairs, Snowdon.  If it had happened that your daughter had inherited the money, why shouldn’t I have had the honour of becoming your son-in-law?’

Joseph stared, then burst into hearty laughter.

‘I tell you what,’ he said, recovering himself, ’why should you give up that idea?  She’s as good a girl as you’ll ever come across, I can tell you that, my boy.  There’s better-looking, but you won’t find many as modest and good-hearted.  Just make her acquaintance, and tell me if I’ve deceived you.  And look here, Scawthorne; by George, I’ll make a bargain with you!  You say you’ll be a partner m three years.  Marry Jane when that day comes, and I’ll give you a thousand for a wedding present.  I mean it!  What’s more, I’ll make my will on your marriage-day and leave everything I’ve got to you and her.  There now!’

‘What makes you so benevolent all at once?’ inquired Scawthorne, blandly.

’Do you think I’ve got no fatherly feeling, man?  Why, if it wasn’t for my wife I’d ask nothing better than to settle down with Jane to keep house for me.  She’s a good girl, I tell you, and I wish her happiness.’

‘And do you think I’m exactly the man to make her a model husband?’

’I don’t see why not—­now you’re going to be a partner in a good business.  Don’t you think I’m ten times as honest a man to-day as I was yesterday?  Poor devils can’t afford to be what they’d wish, in the way of honesty and decent living.’

True enough for once,’ remarked the other, without irony.

’You think it over, Scaw.  I’m a man of my word.  You shall have your money as soon as things are straight; and if you can bring about that affair, I’ll do all I said—­so there’s my hand on it.  Say the word, and I’ll make you acquainted with her before—­before I take that little trip you know of, just for my health.’

‘We’ll speak of it again.’

Thereupon they parted.  In the course of the following day Scawthorne’s report received official confirmation.  Joseph pondered deeply with himself whether he should tell his wife the truth or not; there were arguments for both courses.  By Tuesday morning he had decided for the truth; that would give more piquancy to a pleasant little jest he had in mind.  At breakfast he informed her, as if casually, and it amused him to see that she did not believe him.

’You’ll be anxious to tell your mother.  Go and spend the day with her, but be back by five o’clock; then we’ll talk things over.  I have business with the lawyers again.’

Clem repaired to the Close.  Late in the afternoon she and her husband again met at home, and by this time Joseph’s elation had convinced her that he was telling the truth.  Never had he been in such a suave humour; he seemed to wish to make up for his late severities.  Seating himself near her, he began pleasantly: