Page:Gissing - The Nether World, vol. III, 1889.djvu/140

130 “Grandfather, has Mr. Kirkwood said anything more—about me?”

The words made painful discord in her ears, but instead of showing heightened colour she grew pallid. Holding the book partly open, she felt all her nerves and muscles strained as if in some physical effort; her feet were rooted to the spot.

“Have you heard anything from him?” returned the old man, resting his hands on the sides of the easy-chair.

“Father has been speaking about him. He says Mr. Kirkwood has told you something.”

“Yes. Come and sit down by me, Jane.”

She could not move nearer. Though unable to form a distinct conception, she felt a foreboding of what must come to pass. The dread failure of strength was more than threatening her; her heart was sinking, and by no effort of will could she summon the thoughts that should aid her against herself.

“What has your father told you?” Michael asked, when he perceived her distress. He spoke with a revival of energy, clearly, commandingly.

“He says that Mr. Kirkwood wishes you to