In spite of myself the man's vehemence affected me.
"But," I said, "I love. I cannot go to her empty-handed. A Pennington does not do that. Besides, I am afraid that my love is also penniless, afraid that she has been robbed."
"Look, Jasper Pennington," he said, "I have heard strange things. I have been afraid to ask questions, because—because—but tell me, who is the maiden you love?"
"Naomi Penryn," I replied.
"Yes, yes; I know that, but who is Naomi Penryn? whose child is she? Does she come from Penryn? Who is her mother? who her father? where was she born? Tell me."
"He is mad, stark, staring mad," I said to myself, yet I humoured him. True, the treasure lay at my feet, and I wanted to take it away, while Eli kept grumbling at my delay, but the man seemed to drag an answer from me.
"She was born at Trevose House, close by Trevose Head," I replied. "Indeed, she should be the owner of the estate."
"And her mother?" he cried.
"Was some relative of the Tresidders."
"And her father? Tell me, man, tell me quickly."