 think, father, that he would have made the same will as before?«
    »Not a doubt about it, my love; not a doubt of it. In fact - now let me set
your poor little mind at rest - only two days before his death - when was it I
saw him last? Friday? Thursday? - he said to me that he had a higher opinion of
you than ever. There now, Jane!«
    She would have deemed it impossible for anyone to utter less than truth in
such connection as this. Her eyes gleamed with joy.
    »Now you understand just how it was, Jane. What we have to talk about now
is, how we can arrange things so as to carry out your grandfather's wish. I am
your guardian, my dear. Now I'm sure you wouldn't desire to have command of
large sums of money before you are twenty-one? Just so; your grandfather didn't
intend it. Well, first let me ask you this question. Would you rather live with
- with your stepmother, or with your excellent friend Mrs. Byass? I see what
your answer is, and I approve it; I fully approve it. Now suppose we arrange
that you are to have an allowance of two pounds a week? It is just possible -
just possible - that I may have to go abroad on business before long; in that
case the payment would be made to you through an agent. Do you feel it would be
satisfactory?«
    Jane was thinking how much of this sum could be saved to give away.
    »It seems little? But you see -«
    »No, no, father. It is quite enough.«
    »Good. We understand each other. Of course this is a temporary arrangement.
I must have time to think over grandfather's ideas. Why, you are a mere child
yet, Janey. Seventeen! A mere child, my dear!«
    Forgetting the decorum imposed by his costume, Joseph became all but gay, so
delightfully were things arranging themselves. A hundred a year he could very
well afford just to keep his conscience at ease; and for Jane it would be
wealth. Excellent Mrs. Byass was as good a guardian as could anywhere be found,
and Jane's discretion forbade any fear on her account when - business should
take him away.
    »Well now, we've talked quite long enough. Don't think for a moment that you
hadn't your grandfather's confidence, my dear; it would
