This latter was, of course, an issue of supreme importance.

A very little observation convinced Joseph that his daughter had learned to regard Sidney as more than a friend; whether there existed any mutual understanding between them he could only discover by direct inquiry, and for the present it seemed wiser to make no reference to the subject.

He preserved the attitude of one who has forfeited his natural rights, and only seeks with humility the chance of proving that he is a reformed character.

Was, or was not, Kirkwood aware of the old man's wealth?
That too must be left uncertain, though it was more than probable he had seen the advertisement in the newspapers, and, like Mrs.Peckover, had based conclusions thereupon.

Another possibility was, that Kirkwood had wormed himself into Michael's complete confidence.