Final answer:
Lassiter's comments and behaviour at the end of the story suggest he is anticipating future hardships, signaling a foreboding sense that permeates his outlook on the events to come, particularly with regard to Jane and Fay's safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best inference that can be drawn from Mr. Lacey's comments at the end of the story is that he is experiencing a deep sense of foreboding and sadness linked to the future, particularly concerning little Fay and Jane.
Throughout the narrative, Lassiter's behaviour and his warnings suggest he senses looming threats or hardships that might befall them, evidenced by his evolving protective nature and increasing solemnity.
Considering the circumstances of Mrs. Larkin's death, his changed approach towards Fay, and his attentive but somber demeanour towards Jane, one could infer that Lassiter is perhaps foreseeing a tragic or challenging culmination of the events unfolding around Jane's struggle, her fortunes, and the safety of Fay.
Lassiter's serious and often cryptic communication, coupled with his advice about safety and his subtle reactions, indicates his anticipation of challenging times ahead.
His sadness and the meticulous caution he employs, such as his whispering to avoid being overheard and ensuring Jane is aware of being spied on, point to an awareness of peril that is not immediately obvious to Jane.
The inference is that he is mentally preparing himself and Jane for a scenario that he deems inevitable, reflecting a mix of resignation and protective resolve.