“When we adopted that girl,” said Joe, “we took a great responsibility on ourselves, and we’ve got to live up to it. In my opinion that young man means no good.”
“You have no right to say that,” said Harriet quickly.
“I’ve a right to say what I think. And you know as well as I do that the likes o’ him don’t condescend to the likes o’ her with any good intention.”
Harriet flushed darkly.
“I am quite sure that Mr. Dinneford would always behave like a gentleman,” she said sternly.
“That is more than you know.”
“You seem to forget that he is one of the Family.”
Joe laughed rather sardonically. “I don’t blame you for being so set up with your precious Family,” he said. “It is only right that you should be—but I know what I know. Human nature’s human nature.”
Harriet shook her head. Not for a moment could she accept this point of view. Moreover, she strongly urged that there must not be interference of any kind with Bridport House.
“That’s as may be,” said Joe stoutly. “But you can take your oath that I mean to see justice done in the matter.”