"
"Oh yes, more than ever: trouble has drawn us closer. Papa, in the midst
of our sorrow, how much we have to be thankful for to the Giver of all
good things!"
"Yes, little angel: and you must improve Heaven's goodness by working on
your brother's affection, and persuading him to this continental tour."
Thus appealed to, Jane promised warmly: and the man of the world, finding
he had a blind and willing instrument in the one creature he loved,
kissed her on the forehead, and told her to run away, for here was Mr.
Skinner, who no doubt wanted to speak on business.
Skinner, who had in fact been holding respectfully aloof for some time,
came forward on Jane's retiring, and in a very obsequious tone requested
a private interview. Mr. Hardie led the way into the little dining-room.
They were no sooner alone than Skinner left off fawning, very abruptly;
and put on a rugged resolute manner that was new to him: "I am come for
my commission," said he sturdily.
Mr. Hardie looked an inquiry.
"Oh, you don't know what I mean, of course," said the little clerk almost
brutally: "I've waited, and waited, to see if you would have the decency,
and the gratitude, and the honesty, to offer me a trifle out of It; but I
see I might wait till dooms-day before you would ever think of thinking
of anybody but yourself.
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