 truth, and Michael must
tell her whether Sidney had indeed thus spoken to him.
    Before she had obtained any show of control over her agitation Michael came
into the room. Evening was the old man's best time, and when he had kept his own
chamber through the day he liked to come and sit with Jane as she had her
supper.
    »Didn't I hear your father's voice?« he asked, as he moved slowly to his
accustomed chair.
    »Yes. He couldn't stay.«
    Jane stood in an attitude of indecision. Having seated himself, Michael
glanced at her. His regard had not its old directness; it seemed apprehensive,
as if seeking to probe her thought.
    »Has Miss Lant sent you the book she promised?«
    »Yes, grandfather.«
    This was a recently published volume dealing with charitable enterprise in
some part of London. Michael noticed with surprise the uninterested tone of
Jane's reply. Again he looked at her, and more searchingly.
    »Would you like to read me a little of it?«
    She reached the book from a side-table, drew near, and stood turning the
pages. The confusion of her mind was such that she could not have read a word
with understanding. Then she spoke, involuntarily.
    »Grandfather, has Mr. Kirkwood said anything more - about me?«
    The words made painful discord in her ears, but instead of showing
heightened colour she grew pallid. Holding the book partly open, she felt all
her nerves and muscles strained as if in some physical effort; her feet were
rooted to the spot.
    »Have you heard anything from him?« returned the old man, resting his hands
on the sides of the easy - chair.
    »Father has been speaking about him. He says Mr. Kirkwood has told you
something.«
    »Yes. Come and sit down by me, Jane.«
    She could not move nearer. Though unable to form a distinct conception, she
felt a foreboding of what must come to pass. The dread failure of strength was
more than threatening her; ker heart was sinking, and by no effort of will could
she summon the thoughts that should aid her against herself.
    »What has your father told you?« Michael asked, when he perceived her
distress. He spoke with a revival of energy, clearly, commandingly.
    »He says that Mr. Kirkwood wishes you to forget what he told you, and what
you repeated to me.«
    »Did he give you any reason?«
    »Yes. I
