Page:Gissing - The Nether World, vol. III, 1889.djvu/316

 “Miss Snowdon,—if you would allow me to say a few more words. You will remember I mentioned to you that there was a prospect of my becoming a partner in the firm wbich I have hitherto served as clerk. A certain examination had to be passed, that I might be admitted a solicitor. That is over; in a few days my position as a member of the firm will be assured.”

Jane waited, her eyes still cast down.

“I feel that it may seem to you an ill-chosen time; but the very fact that I have just been the bearer of such sad news impels me to speak. I cannot keep the promise that I would never revive the subject on which I spoke to you not long ago. Forgive me; I must ask you again if you cannot think of me as I wish? Miss Snowdon, will you let me devote myself to making your life happy? It has always seemed to me that if I could attain a position such as I now have, there would be little else to ask for. I began life poor and half-educated, and you cannot imagine the difficulties I have overcome. But if I go away from this house, and leave you so lonely, living such a hard life, there will be very