. You know, he might begin to
think that you had some sort of - eh?«
    It was not the second, nor yet the third, time that Joseph had looked in and
begun to speak in this scrappy way, continuing the tone of that dialogue in
which he had assumed a sort of community of interest between Kirkwood and
himself. But the limit of Sidney's endurance was reached.
    »There's no knowing,« he exclaimed, »what anyone may think of me, if people
who have their own ends to serve go spreading calumnies. Let us understand each
other, and have done with it. I told Mr. Snowdon that I could never be anything
but a friend to Jane. I said it, and I meant it. If you've any doubt remaining,
in a few days I hope it'll be removed. What your real wishes may be I don't
know, and I shall never after this have any need to know. I can't help speaking
in this way, and I want to tell you once for all that there shall never again be
a word about Jane between us. Wait a day or two, and you'll know the reason.«
    Joseph affected an air of gravity - of offended dignity.
    »That's rather a queer sort of way to back out of your engagements,
Kirkwood, I won't say anything about myself, but with regard to my daughter -«
    »What do you mean by speaking like that?« cried the young man, sternly. »You
know very well that it's what you wish most of all, to put an end to everything
between your daughter and me! You've succeeded; be satisfied. If you've anything
to say to me on any other subject, say it. If not, please let's have done for
the present. I don't feel in a mood for beating about the bush any longer.«
    »You've misunderstood me altogether, Kirkwood,« said Joseph, unable to
conceal a twinkle of satisfaction in his eyes.
    »No; I've understood you perfectly well - too well. I don't want to hear
another word on the subject, and I won't. It's over; understand that.«
    »Well, well; you're a bit out of sorts. I'll say good-bye for the present.«
    He retired, and for a long time Sidney sat in black brooding.
 
John Hewett did not fail to
