at the office
of Messrs. Percival and Peel had rendered it possible for him to pursue his
inquiries in that direction without it becoming known to Michael Snowdon that he
had done anything of the kind; and the policy he elaborated for himself demanded
the appearance of absolute disinterestedness in all his dealings with his
father. Aided by the shrewd Mrs. Peckover, he succeeded in reconciling Clem to a
present disappointment, bitter as it was, by pointing out that there was every
chance of his profiting largely upon the old man's death, which could not be a
very remote contingency. At present there was little that could be done save to
curry favour in Hanover Street, and keep an eye on what went forward between
Kirkwood and Jane. This latter was, of course, an issue of supreme importance. A
very little observation convinced Joseph that his daughter had learned to regard
Sidney as more than a friend; whether there existed any mutual understanding
between them he could only discover by direct inquiry, and for the present it
seemed wiser to make no reference to the subject. He preserved the attitude of
one who has forfeited his natural rights, and only seeks with humility the
chance of proving that he is a reformed character. Was, or was not, Kirkwood
aware of the old man's wealth? That too must be left uncertain, though it was
more than probable he had seen the advertisement in the newspapers, and, like
Mrs. Peckover, had based conclusions thereupon. Another possibility was, that
Kirkwood had wormed himself into Michael's complete confidence. From Joseph's
point of view, subtle machinations were naturally attributed to the young man -
whose appearance proved him anything but a commonplace person. The situation was
full of obscurities and dangers. From Scawthorne Joseph received an assurance
that the whole of the Australian property had been capitalised and placed in
English investments; also, that the income was regularly drawn and in some way
disposed of; the manner of such disposal being kept private between old Mr.
Percival and his client.
    In the meantime family discussions in the Close had brought to Joseph's
knowledge a circumstance regarding Kirkwood which interested him in a high
degree. When talking of Sidney's character, it was natural that the Peckovers
should relate the story of his relations with Clara Hewett.
    »Clara?« exclaimed Mr. Snowdon, as if struck by the name. »Disappeared, has
she? What sort of a girl to look at?«
    Clem was ready with a malicious description, whereto her husband attended
very carefully. He mused over it, and proceeded to make inquiries