“Who, the old man? Yes, I saw him for a minute or two.”
“Did you speak to him?”
“Yes, I spoke to him.” The man did not seem inclined to pursue the subject, but this time Ella persisted.
“Father, why is he frightened of you?”
“Will you make me some coffee?” said Bennett.
“Why is he frightened of you?”
“How do I know? My dear, don’t ask so many questions. You worry me. He knows me, he’s seen me—that is all. Balder is held for murder. I think he is a very bad man.”
Later in the day she revived the subject of Maitland’s visit.
“I wish he would not come,” she said. “He frightens me.”
“He will not come again,” said John Bennett prophetically.