Page:Gissing - The Nether World, vol. II, 1889.djvu/278

 “Shouldn’t wonder if we have him there yet, some day,” remarked Sam, winking at his wife.

“Not him,” was Bessie’s rejoinder, with a meaning smile. “He’s a cool hand, is Mr. Kirkwood. He knows how to wait. When something happens, we shall have him taking a house out at Highbury, you see if he don’t.”

Sidney turned upon her with anything but a jesting look.

“What do you mean by that, Mrs. Byass?” he asked, sharply. “When what happens? What are you hinting at?”

“Bless us and save us! " cried Bessie. “Here, Sam, he’s going to swallow me. What harm have I done? "

“Please tell me what you meant?” Sidney urged, his face expressing strong annoyance. “Why do you call me a ‘cool hand,’ and say that ‘I know how to wait’? What did you mean? I’m serious; I want you to explain.”

Whilst he was speaking there came a knock at the kitchen-door. Bessie cried, “Come in,” and Jane showed herself; she