Pagina 456 van 896

Miss Pross and he divided the night into two watches, and

observed him at intervals from the adjoining room. He paced up

and down for a long time before he lay down; but, when he did

finally lay himself down, he fell asleep. In the morning, he was

up betimes, and went straight to his bench and to work.

On this second day, Mr. Lorry saluted him cheerfully by his name,

and spoke to him on topics that had been of late familiar to

them. He returned no reply, but it was evident that he heard what

was said, and that he thought about it, however confusedly. This

encouraged Mr. Lorry to have Miss Pross in with her work, several

times during the day; at those times, they quietly spoke of

Lucie, and of her father then present, precisely in the usual

manner, and as if there were nothing amiss. This was done without

any demonstrative accompaniment, not long enough, or often enough

to harass him; and it lightened Mr. Lorry's friendly heart to

believe that he looked up oftener, and that he appeared to be

stirred by some perception of inconsistencies surrounding him.