thought I had that one thing
to comfort me. It's like losing him again--losing his confidence. To
think I should have disappointed him in just what he hoped more than
anything!'

'But you're mistaken,' Joseph exclaimed, a generous feeling for once
getting the better of prudence. 'Listen, my dear, and I'll explain to
you. I hadn't finished when you interrupted me.'

She clasped her hands upon her lap and gazed at him in eager appeal.

'Did he say anything to you, father?'

'No--and you may be quite sure that if he _hasn't_ trusted you, he
_would_ have said something. What's more, on the very day before his
death he wrote a letter to Mr. Percival, to say that he wanted to make
his will again. He was going to do it on the Monday--there now It was
only an accident; he hadn't time to do what he wished.'

This was making a concession which he had expressly resolved to guard
against; but Joseph's designs ripened, lost their crudity, as he saw
more and more of his daughter's disposition. He was again grateful to
her; she had made things smoother than he could have hoped.

'You really think, father, that he would have made the same will as
before?'

'Not a doubt about it, my love; not a doubt of it. In fact--now let me
set your poor little mind at rest--only two days before his death--when
was it I saw him last? Friday? Thursday?--he said to me that he had a
higher opinion of you than ever. There now, Jane!'

She would have deemed it impossible for anyone to utter less than truth
in such connection as this. Her eyes gleamed with joy.

'Now you understand just how it was, Jane. What we have to talk about
now is, how we can arrange things so as to carry out your grandfather's
wish. I am your guardian, my dear. Now I'm sure you wouldn't desire to
have command of large sums of money before you are twenty-one? Just so;
your grandfather didn't intend it. Well, first let me ask you this
question. Would you rather live with--with your stepmother, or with
your excellent friend Mrs. Byass? I see what your answer is, and I
approve it; I fully approve it. Now suppose we arrange that you are to
have an allowance of two pounds a week? It is just possible--just
possible--that I may have to go abroad on business before long; in that
case the payment would be made to you through an agent. Do you feel it
would be satisfactory?'

Jane was thinking how much of this sum could be saved to give away.

'It seems little? But you see--'