Page:Gissing - The Nether World, vol. III, 1889.djvu/274

 “Come in here a minute; I want to speak to you.”

It was a face that told of many troubles. Sidney might resolutely keep a bright countenance, but there was no hiding the sallowness of his cheeks and the lines drawn by ever-wakeful anxiety. The effect of a struggle with mean necessities is seldom anything but degradation, in look and in character; but Sidney’s temper, and the conditions of his life, preserved him against that danger. His features, worn into thinness, seemed to present more distinctly than ever their points of refinement. You saw that he was habitually a grave and silent man; all the more attractive his aspect when, as now, he seemed to rest from thought and give expression to his natural kindliness. In the matter of attire he was no longer as careful as he used to be; the clothes he wore had done more than just service, and hung about him unregarded.

“Clara upstairs?” he asked, when he had noticed Hewitt’s look.

“Yes; she’s lying down. May’s been troublesome all the morning. But it was something else I meant.”