 thing, clothing
himself in flesh, and, though still anything but a portly man, bore himself as
becomes one who can indulge a taste for eating and drinking; his step was more
deliberate, he no longer presented the suppleness of limb that so often
accompanies a needy condition in the man of wits, he grew attentive to his
personal equipment, he was always well combed and well shaven, and generally, in
hours of leisure, you perceived a fragrance breathing from his handkerchief. Nor
was this refinement addressed only to the public. To Clem he behaved with a
correctness which kept that lady in a state of acute suspicion; not seldom he
brought her a trifling gift, which he would offer with compliments, and he made
a point of consulting her pleasure or convenience in all matters that affected
them in common. A similar dignity of bearing marked his relations with Hanover
Street. When he entered Jane's parlour it was with a beautiful blending of
familiarity and courtesy; he took his daughter's hand with an air of graceful
affection, retaining for a moment between his own, and regarding her with a
gentle smile which hinted the pride of a parent. In speaking with the old man he
habitually subdued his voice, respectfully bending forward, solicitously
patching the opportunity of a service. Michael had pleasure in his company and
conversation. Without overdoing it, Joseph accustomed himself to speak of
philanthropic interests. He propounded a scheme for supplying the poor with a
certain excellent filter at a price all but nominal; who did not know the
benefit to humble homes of pure water for use as a beverage? The filter was not
made yet, but Lake, Snowdon, &amp; Co., had it under their consideration.
    Michael kept his room a good deal in these wretched days of winter, so that
Joseph had no difficulty in obtaining private interviews with his daughter.
Every such occasion he used assiduously, his great end being to possess himself
of Jane's confidence. He did not succeed quite so well with the girl as with her
grandfather; there was always a reserve in her behaviour which as yet he found
it impossible to overcome. Observation led him to conclude that much of this
arose from the view she took of his relations with Sidney Kirkwood. Jane was in
love with Sidney; on that point he could have no doubt; and in all likelihood
she regarded him as unfriendly to Sidney's suit - women are so shrewd in these
affairs. Accordingly, Joseph made it his business by artful degrees to remove
this prepossession from her mind. In the course of this endeavour he naturally
pressed
