Page:Gissing - The Nether World, vol. II, 1889.djvu/199

 explanation. The finer qualities of his mind enabled him to see the matter in quite a different light from that in which it presented itself to Jane’s father; he had once or twice had an opportunity of observing Michael Snowdon at the office, and could realise in a measure the character which directed its energies to such an ideal aim. Concerning Jane he asked many questions; then the conversation turned once more to Sidney Kirkwood.

“I wish he’d married his old sweetheart,” observed Joseph, watching the other’s face.

“Who was that?”

“A girl called Clara Hewett.”

Their looks met. Scawthorne, in spite of habitual self-command, betrayed an extreme surprise.

“I wonder what’s become of her?” continued Joseph, still observing his companion, and speaking with unmistakable significance.

“Just tell me something about this,” said Scawthorne peremptorily. Joseph complied, and ended his story with a few more hints.