Page:Gissing - The Nether World, vol. III, 1889.djvu/233

Rh nine. I can be back by half-past, I think, and then I can go again. Father wouldn’t mind waiting a few minutes. I must go at once, Mrs. Byass.”

She would hear no objection, and speedily left the house in Mrs. Griffin’s company.

At half-past nine, punctually, Mr. Snowdon’s double knock sounded at the door. Joseph looked more respectable than ever in his black frock-coat and silk hat with the deep band. His bow to Mrs. Byass was solemn, but gallant; he pressed her fingers like a clergyman paying a visit of consolation, and in a subdued voice made affectionate inquiry after his daughter.

“She has slept, I hope, poor child?”

Bessie took him into the sitting-room, and explained Jane’s absence.

“A good girl; a good girl,” he remarked, after listening with elevated brows. “But she must be careful of her health. My visit this morning is on matters of business; no doubt she will tell you the principal points of our conversation afterwards. An excellent friend you have been to her, Mrs. Byass—excellent.”