ey, and you become dearer to me every
day; but--it's hard to say it--there naturally isn't all the confidence
between us that there might have been if--well, well, I won't speak of
that.'

'But won't you tell me what makes you anxious?'

He laid the tips of his fingers on her head. 'Janey, shall you be
offended if I speak about Mr. Kirkwood?'

'No, father.'

She tried in vain to continue sewing.

'My dear--I believe there's no actual engagement between you?'

'Oh no, father,' she replied, faintly.

'And yet--don't be angry with me, my child--I think you are something
more than friends?'

She made no answer.

'And I can't help thinking, Janey--I think about you very often
indeed--that Mr. Kirkwood has rather exaggerated views about the
necessity of--of altering things between you.'

Quite recently Joseph had become aware of the understanding between
Michael and Kirkwood. The old man still hesitated to break the news to
Jane, saying to himself that it was better for Sidney to prepare her by
the change in his behaviour.

'Of altering things?' Jane repeated, under her breath.

'It seems to me wrong--wrong to both of you,' Joseph pursued, in a
pathetic voice. 'I can't help noticing my child's looks. I know she
isn't what she used to be, poor little girl! And I know Kirkwood isn't
what he used to be. It's very hard, and I feel for you--for both of
you.'

Jane sat motionless, not daring to lift her eyes, scarcely daring to
breathe.

'Janey.'

'Yes, father.'

'I wonder whether I'm doing wrong to your grandfather in speaking to
you confidentially like this? I can't believe he notices things as I
do; he'd never wish you to be unhappy.'

'But I don't quite understand, father. What do you mean about Mr.
Kirkwood? Why should he--'

The impulse failed her. A fear which she had harboured for many weary
days was being confirmed and she could not ask directly for the word
that would kill hope.

'Have I a right to tell you? I thought perhaps you understood.'

'As you have gone So far, I think you must explain. I don't see how you
can be doing wrong.'

'Poor Kirkwood! You see, he's in such a delicate position, my dear. I
think myself that he's acting rather strangely, after everything; but
it's--it's your money, Jane. He doesn't think he ought to ask you to
marry him, under the circumstances.'

She trembled.

'Now who should stand by you, in a case like this, if not your own
father? Of course he can't say