Page:Gissing - The Nether World, vol. III, 1889.djvu/134

124 “But won’t you tell me what makes you anxious?”

He laid the tips of his fingers on her head.

“Janey, shall you be offended if I speak about Mr. Kirkwood?”

“No, father.”

She tried in vain to continue sewing.

“My dear,—I believe there’s no actual engagement between you?”

“Oh no, father,” she replied, faintly.

“And yet—don’t be angry with me, my child—I think you are something more than friends?”

She made no answer.

“And I can’t help thinking, Janey,—I think about you very often indeed,—that Mr. Kirkwood has rather exaggerated views about the necessity of—of altering things between you.”

Quite recently Joseph had become aware of the understanding between Michael and Kirkwood. The old man still hesitated to break the news to Jane, saying to himself that it was better for Sidney to prepare her by the change in his behaviour.

“Of altering things?” Jane repeated, under her breath.