The incident of meeting with young Clifford had helped to develop Jenny's character, and give it a stronger type than otherwise would have been the case.

Thus, she became to Mr.Lofton companionable; and, ere a year had elapsed from the time Mark went away, Mrs.Lee, having passed to her account, she was taken into his house, and he had her constantly with him.

As he continued to fail, he leaned upon the affectionate girl more and more heavily; and was never contented when she was away from him.
It would be difficult to represent clearly Jenny's state of feeling during this period.

A simple minded, innocent, true-hearted girl, in whose bosom scarce beat a single selfish impulse, she found herself suddenly approached by one in station far above her, in a way that left her heart unguarded.

He had stooped to her, and leaned upon her, and she, obeying an impulse of her nature, had stood firmer to support him as he leaned.