Page:Gissing - The Nether World, vol. III, 1889.djvu/121

Rh up one leg against the fireplace. Very decent fellow. He’s getting old, unfortunately. Had a good deal of trouble, I understand; it breaks a man up.”

Sidney scowled, and said nothing.

“I thought I’d stay, as I was here,” continued Joseph, unbuttoning his respectable overcoat and throwing it open. “There was something rather particular I had in mind. Won’t you sit down?”

“No, thank you.”

Joseph glanced at him, and smiled all the more.

“I’ve had a little talk with the old man about Jane. By the bye, I’m sorry to say he’s very shaky; doesn’t look himself at all. I didn’t know you had spoken to him quite so—you know what I mean. It seems to be his idea that everything’s at an end between you.”

“Perhaps so.”

“Well, now, look here. You won’t mind me just. Do you think it was wise to put it in that way to him? I’m afraid you’re making him feel just a little uncertain about you. I’m speaking as a friend, you know. In your own interest, Kirkwood. Old men get queer ideas