"For Mr. Alpenny," explained Durban, becoming more himself. "He is an old scoundrel of nearly sixty years of age."
"He doesn't look it," said Beatrice.
"Strange as it may seem to you, missy, Waterloo has his vanity. He wears a wig, and his teeth are false. But he is old and wicked, and has been no end of times in prison. Mr. Alpenny employed him to do some business in the slums, and he was several times down at The Camp. I think he's a thief."
"I never saw him before, Durban."
"And you'll never see him again, missy," said the old servant emphatically. "Mr. Alpenny, as I told you, had to do with a lot of rogues and vagabonds, as many a money-lender has. But that sort of thing is all done with. Waterloo will never trouble you again."
"I am glad of that," said the girl, who was quite pale. "His presence seemed to taint the air. What a horrible man!"
"Why does he want to see Mr. Vivian?" asked Mrs. Lilly sharply.
Durban wheeled quickly. "He wants to see Mr. Paslow, does he? H'm! I wonder why that is?"
"I am quite sure you can explain," said Beatrice, who was piqued at being always kept in the dark.
Durban cast a look of pain on her, but replied quietly enough, "Perhaps I do, missy. Mr. Paslow, as I told you, had something to do with my late master's business."