Page:Gissing - The Nether World, vol. III, 1889.djvu/234

224 “I’m sure I don’t see how any one could help liking her,” said Bessie, inwardly delighted with the expectation of hearing at length what Jane’s circumstances really were.

“Indeed, so good a friend,” pursued Joseph, “that I’m afraid it would distress her if she could no longer live with you. And the fact is”—he bent forward and smiled sadly—“I’m sure I may speak freely to you, Mrs. Byass,—but the fact is, that I’m very doubtful indeed whether she could be happy if she lived with Mrs. Snowdon. I suppose there’s always more or less difficulty where step-children are concerned, and in this case—well, I fear the incompatibility would be too great. To be sure, it places me in a difficult position. Jane’s very young—very young; only just turned seventeen, poor child! Out of the question for her to live with strangers. I had some hopes—I wonder whether I ought to speak of it? You know Mr. Kirkwood?”

“Yes, indeed. I can’t tell you how surprised I was, Mr. Snowdon. And there seems to be such a mystery about it, too.”

Bessie positively glowed with delight in such confidential talk. It was her dread that