h-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 rep