Mr. Stone came close up to his son-in-law.
“Is she in trouble?”
“Yes,” murmured Hilary.
“She is too young to be in trouble. Did you tell her that?”
Hilary shook his head.
“Has the man hurt her?”
Again Hilary shook his head.
“What is her trouble, then?” said Mr. Stone. The closeness of this catechism, the intent stare of the old man's eyes, were more than Hilary could bear. He turned away.
“You ask me something that I cannot answer.
“Why?”