‘I can’t believe it. There is something unexplained.’
‘Yes, there is something unexplained.—Mrs. Damerel, I should have thought you would naturally speak first to your niece. Why did you send for me before doing so?’
‘To find out what sort of man you were, so that I should be able to form my own opinion of what Nancy chose to tell me. Perhaps she may refuse to tell me anything at all—we are not like ordinary relatives, I am sorry to say. But I dare say you know better than I do how she thinks of me.’
‘I have heard her speak of you only once or twice. At all events, now that you are prepared, you will go and see her?’
‘I must. It would be wrong to stand by and do nothing.’
‘And you will see her guardians?’
‘That must depend. I certainly shall if she seems to be suffering hardships. I must know why she goes out to work, as if she were pinched for money. There is her child to support, of course, but that wouldn’t make any difference to her; she is well provided for.’
‘Yes. There’s no choice but to fall back upon the villain theory.’
He rose, and took up his hat.
‘You mustn’t go yet, Mr. Tarrant,’ said his hostess firmly. ‘I have said that I can’t believe such things of you. If you would only explain—’