Page:Gissing - The Nether World, vol. II, 1889.djvu/51

 reach of spiritual joy. For all that there was a disappointment on her mind, she felt this joy to-night, and went about her pursuits in happy self-absorption. So it befell that she did not hear a knock at the house-door. Mrs. Byass answered it, and not knowing that Mr. Snowdon was from home, bade his usual visitor go upstairs. The visitor did so, and announced his presence at the door of the room.

“Oh, Mr. Kirkwood,” said Jane, “I’m so sorry, but grandfather had to go out with a gentleman.”

And she waited, looking at him, a gentle warmth on her face.