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She ascended to the room which had once ah! once! been her own parlour, knocked and entered. 'I I wished to speak to Mrs. Byass, said Scawthorne, appearing for some reason or other embarrassed by Jane's presenting herself. 'Mrs. Byass is not at all well, sir. But I'll let her know 'No, no; on no account. 'Can't I get you anything, sir? 'Miss Snowdon might I speak with you for a few moments?
'Just so. Joseph drew in his breath; his teeth ground together for a moment; his eyes grew very wide. With a smile Scawthorne proceeded to explain that Jane's trustees were Mr. Percival, senior, and his son. Should she die unmarried before attaining her twenty-first birthday, the money bequeathed to her was to be distributed among certain charities.
The activity of her mind received a new impulse when she broke free from Scawthorne and began her upward struggle in independence. Whatever books were obtainable she read greedily; she purchased numbers of plays in the acting-editions, and studied with the utmost earnestness such parts as she knew by repute; no actress entertained a more superb ambition, none was more vividly conscious of power.
The owner of the patent lacked capital, and a judicious investment might secure a share in the business; Joseph thought of broaching the subject with him next day. 'You won't make a fool of yourself? remarked Scawthorne. 'Trust me; I think I know my way about.
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.
'Yet I fancy you might do well, if only you could have a few months' training, just to start you. Of course it all depends on knowing how to go about it. A little money would be necessary not much. Clara made no reply. On the way home she was mute. Scawthorne took leave of her in Upper Street, and promised to look in again before long. . . .
Bessie frankly lamented; she would never again find such an estimable lodger. But, to be sure, Mr. Scawthorne had prepared her for this, three months ago. Well, what must be, must be. 'Is Miss Snowdon in the house, Mrs. Byass? Scawthorne went on to inquire. 'Miss Snowdon? Yes.
You've been devilish useful to me; and what's more I haven't done with you yet. Do you twig, old boy? 'You mean that a confidential agent in England, unsuspected, may be needed? 'Shouldn't wonder if I do. 'Can't be managed under double the money, my good sir, observed Scawthorne, with unmistakable seriousness. 'Worth your while, I promise you. Have another glass. Fair commission.
These Joseph communicated to Scawthorne, and the latter's interest was still more strongly awakened. He was now on terms of personal acquaintance, almost of friendship, with Jane. Miss Lant, he was convinced, did not speak of her too praisingly. Not exactly a pretty girl, though far from displeasing in countenance; very quiet, very gentle, with much natural refinement.
Scawthorne worked himself up to a position which had at first seemed unattainable; what he paid for the success was loss of all his pure ideals, of his sincerity, of his disinterestedness, of the fine perceptions to which he was born.
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