CHAPTER XVI.
DIALOGUE AND COMMENT 'Will it be late before he comes back ?' asked Sidney, his smile of greeting shadowed with disappointment.
'Not later than half-past ten, he said.' Sidney turned his face to the stairs.

The homeward prospect was dreary after that glimpse of the familiar mom through the doorway.

The breach of habit discomposed him, and something more positive strengthened his reluctance to be gone.

It was not his custom to hang in hesitancy and court chance by indirectness of speech; recognising and admitting his motives, he said simply: 'I should like to stay a little, if you will let me--if I shan't be in your way ?' 'Oh no! Please come in.

I'm only sewing.' There were two round-backed wooden chairs in the room; one stood on each side of the fireplace, and between them, beside the table, Jane always had her place on a small chair of the ordinary comfortless kind.
She seated herself as usual, and Sidney took his familiar position, with the vacant chair opposite.