Page:Gissing - The Nether World, vol. I, 1889.djvu/258

 a miserable affair, and I shall feel better for speaking about it.”

Snowdon regarded him with eyes of calm sympathy. There is a look of helpful attention peculiar to the faces of some who have known much suffering; in this instance, the grave force of character which at all times made the countenance impressive heightened the effect of its gentleness. In external matters, the two men knew little more of each other now than after their first meeting, but the spiritual alliance between them had strengthened with every conversation. Each understood the other’s outlook upon problems of life which are not commonly discussed in the top rooms of lodging-houses; they felt and thought differently at times, but in essentials they were at one, and it was the first time that either had found such fruitful companionship.

“Did you hear anything from the Peckovers of Clara Hewett?” Sidney began by asking.

“Not from them. Jane has often spoken of her.”