"I would like a word with you alone," he said to the squire.
"I am alone," was the reply. "I have no secrets from my sons."
"But there is a stranger among you," retorted Polperro.
"He is a friend who honours us by staying with us. He is of the same religion and hath the same interests."
I winced at this, and rose to leave, but Colman Killigrew, by a gesture, bid me remain.
"But this is not an affair for the ears of all," retorted Polperro.
"I have no affairs with you that may not be discussed by all here," was the cool response.
I wondered at this, for I could not fathom the old man's design. Perhaps he thought that by treating me as one of his family, even though I was a stranger, he would cause me to be more obedient to his wishes in the future. I listened eagerly, however, for I remembered why I was there.
"Be it so, then," replied Polperro with a touch of anger in his voice. "You know, then, that I have met Mistress Nancy Molesworth?"