‘Oh, I shall be only too glad, Mr. Snowdon!’

’Now how kind that is of you!  Of course she wouldn’t want more than two rooms.’

‘Of course not.’

Joseph was going further into details, when a latch-key was heard opening the front door.  Jane entered hurriedly.  The rapid walk had brought colour to her check; in her simple mourning attire she looked very interesting, very sweet and girlish.  She had been shedding tears, and it was with unsteady voice that she excused herself for keeping her father waiting.

‘Never mind that, my dear,’ replied Joseph, as he kissed her cheek.  ’You have been doing good—­unselfish as always.  Sit down and rest; you must be careful not to over-exert yourself.’

Bessie busied herself affectionately in removing Jane’s hat and jacket, then withdrew that father and child might converse in private.  Joseph looked at his daughter.  His praise of her was not all mere affectation of sentiment.  He had spoken truly when he said to Scawthorne that, but for Clem, he would ask nothing better than to settle down with this gentle girl for his companion.  Selfishness, for the most part, but implying appreciation of her qualities.  She did not love him, but he was sincere enough with himself to admit that this was perfectly natural.  Had circumstances permitted, he would have tried hard to win some affection from her.  Poor little girl!  How would it affect her when she heard what he was going to say?  He felt angry with Kirkwood; yes, truly indignant—­men are capable of greater inconsistencies than this.  She would not have cared much about the money had Kirkwood married her; of that he felt sure.  She had lost her lover; now he was going to deprive her of her inheritance.  Cruel!  Yes; but he really felt so well-disposed to her, so determined to make her a comfortable provision for the future; and had the money been hers, impossible to have regarded her thus.  Joseph was thankful to the chance which, in making him wealthy, had also enabled him to nourish such virtuous feeling.

How should he begin?  He had a bright idea, an idea worthy of him.  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.’