‘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 maybe 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 present himself next evening. As he entered the room he was somewhat surprised at the cheerful aspect with which Sidney met him; the grasp which his hand received seemed to have a significance. Sidney, after looking at him steadily, asked if he had not been home. ‘Yes, I’ve been home. Why do you want to know?’ ‘Hadn’t Clara anything to tell you?’ ‘No. What is it?’ ‘Did she know you were coming here?’ ‘Why, yes; I mentioned it.’ Sidney again regarded him fixedly, with a smile. ‘I suppose she preferred that I should tell you. I looked in at the Buildings this afternoon, and had a talk with Clara.’ John hung upon his words, with lips slightly parted, with a trembling in the hairs of his grey beard. ‘You did?’ ‘I had something to ask her, so I went when she was likely to be alone. It’s a long while ago since I asked her the question for the first time—but I’ve got the right answer at last.’ John stared at him in pathetic agitation. ‘You mean to tell me you’ve asked Clara to marry you?’ ‘There’s nothing very dreadful in that, I should think.’