"My niece has not got herself into trouble," said Aunt Leth, feeling herself in a certain sense helpless in the hands of this man. "She is not capable of doing anything wrong. I will answer any reasonable questions you may put to me."
"It may be as well. Otherwise you might be suspected of a guilty knowledge. Miss Farebrother left her father's house and came to reside with you?"
"Yes; she has been in the habit of coming and stopping with us, from time to time, since she was a child."
"But never for so long a time as this?"
"That is true. We have a deep love for her. Our home is hers."
"She ought to be grateful for it."
"She is."
"Her friends will best serve her by being open and frank."
"But what has our dear child done?" asked Aunt Leth, in an imploring tone. "What has she done?"
"You will hear presently, if you have a little patience. On this last occasion of her coming to you did she do so with her father's consent?"