n. It seems to
be his idea that everything's at an end between you.'

'Perhaps so.'

'Well, now, look here. You won't mind me just--Do you think it was wise
to put it in that way to him? I'm afraid you're making him feel just a
little uncertain about you. I'm speaking as a friend, you know. In your
own interest, Kirkwood. Old men get queer ideas into their heads. You
know, he _might_ begin to think that you had some sort of--eh?'

It was not the second, nor yet the third, time that Joseph had looked
in and begun to speak in this scrappy way, continuing the tone of that
dialogue in which he had assumed a sort of community of interest
between Kirkwood and himself. But the limit of Sidney's endurance was
reached.

'There's no knowing,' he exclaimed, 'what anyone may think of me, if
people who have their own ends to serve go spreading calumnies. Let us
understand each other, and have done with it. I told Mr. Snowdon that I
could never be anything but a friend to Jane. I said it, and I meant
it. If you've any doubt remaining, in a few days I hope it'll be
removed. What your real wishes maybe I don't know, and I shall never
after this have any need to know. I can't help speaking in this way,
and I want to tell you once for all that there shall never again be a
word about Jane between us. Wait a day or two, and you'll know the
reason.'

Joseph affected an air of gravity--of offended dignity.

'That's rather a queer sort of way to back out of your engagements,
Kirkwood. I won't say anything about myself, but with regard to my
daughter--'

'What do you mean by speaking like that?' cried the young man, sternly.
'You know very well that it's what you wish most of all, to put an end
to everything between your daughter and me t You've succeeded; be
satisfied. If you've anything to say to me on any other subject, say
it. If not, please let's have done for the present. I don't feel in a
mood for beating about the bush any longer.'

'You've misunderstood me altogether, Kirkwood,' said Joseph, unable to
conceal a twinkle of satisfaction in his eyes.

'No; I've understood you perfectly well--too well. I don't want to hear
another word on the subject, and I won't. It's over; understand that.'

'Well, well; you're a bit out of sorts. I'll say good-bye for the
present.'

He retired, and for a long time Sidney sat in black brooding.

John Hewett did not fail to present himself next evening. As he entered
the room he was somew