ks they talk about her.'

'Oh, that'll very soon pass over. There's always something new
happening, and people quickly forget a case like this.'

Bessie withdrew, and her lodger addressed himself to his breakfast.

He had occupied the rooms on the first floor for about a year and a
half. Joseph Snowdon's proposal to make him acquainted with Jane had
not been carried out, Scawthorne deeming it impracticable; but when a
year had gone by, and Scawthorne, as Joseph's confidential
correspondent, had still to report that Jane maintained herself in
independence, he one day presented himself in Hanover Street, as a
total stranger, and made inquiry about the rooms which a card told him
were to let. His improved position allowed him to live somewhat more
reputably than in the Chelsea lodging, and Hanover Street would suit
him well enough until he obtained the promised partnership. Admitted as
a friend to Mr. Percival's house in Highbury, he had by this time made
the acquaintance of Miss Lant, whom, by the exercise of his agreeable
qualities, he one day led to speak of Jane Snowdon. Miss Lant continued
to see Jane, at long intervals, and was fervent in her praise as well
as in compassionating the trials through which she had gone. His
position in Mr. Percival's office of course made it natural that
Scawthorne should have a knowledge of the girl's story. When he had
established himself in Mrs. Byass's rooms, he mentioned the fact
casually to his friends, making it appear that, in seeking lodgings, he
had come upon these by haphazard.

He could not but feel something of genuine interest in a girl who, for
whatever reason, declined a sufficient allowance and chose to work for
her living. The grounds upon which Jane took this decision were
altogether unknown to him until an explanation came from her father.
Joseph, when news of the matter reached him, was disposed to entertain
suspicions; with every care not to betray his own whereabouts, he wrote
to Jane, and in due time received a reply, in which Jane told him truly
her reasons for refusing the money. These Joseph communicated to
Scawthorne, and the latter's interest was still more strongly awakened.

He was now on terms of personal acquaintance, almost of friendship,
with Jane. Miss Lant, he was convinced, did not speak of her too
praisingly. Not exactly a pretty girl, though far from displeasing in
countenance; very quiet, very gentle, with much natural refinement. Her
air of