“That’s a splendid coincidence,” muttered the old man, and rubbed his hands.
“Why splendid?” asked Paul.
“Oh, I only meant ... coincidence—the same day that they burned down our barn. Just tell me, Paul—you were awake—what hour might it have been when you saw the flames rise?”
“It might have been one o’clock.”
“Well, you ought to know. Though what the business really was that took you to Helenenthal that night passes my comprehension, but it is all right quite right! now I know the exact hour.”
Then you know a great deal! said Greta, laughing.
“So I do,” he answered, sulkily. “You’ll see, my little daughter, you’ll see!”
Kate was about to come to her sister’s assistance, but Paul made them a sign, secretly, to leave the old man in peace.
Soon after, the sisters took leave.
“You wanted to tell Paul that father has secrets behind the barn,” said Kate, when they were both sitting in the dog cart.