J. J. Bell

“ Lismore threw down the paper, with what might have been a gesture of Christian resignation, rose and left the room and, immediately after, the house.
He was by no means an astute man as to the workings of human nature, but he knew his daughter, and he felt that he had said just enough for the present. Lottie would not doubt his statement, which he had invented during his ride home that morning, but she would begin to wonder about Joan March. ”

“ Joan was rather flushed.
Miss Gosling did not appear to notice it. “The poor boy under a cloud for so long! But Mr. Lismore did not seem to have heard of his innocence.”
“Lottie has not told her father. Why?” thought Joan. Aloud she said: “Had Mr. Lismore anything to say about my getting the house and so much money?” ”

“ Lismore's remark, not to annoy you but simply to confirm you in your opinion of him expressed a minute ago. He is a beast, Joan, and you will do well to remember it.”
“I will remember it,” said Joan,
A few minutes later, when the telephone rang, Miss Gosling left the room. Joan took up the receiver.
“Well?.... Yes, I am Miss March. Who are you?”
“A friend of Douglas Grant,—Henley is my name,—the friend who recently sent fifteen hundred to the late Mr. Cran. As his secretary, you may know about the incident.”
“Yes,” she managed to say faintly, “I know. What can I do for you, Mr. Henley?” ”