“Mr. Harrison said that Mr. Allen had asked his permission to marry Anita and he had refused point-blank.”
“Allen didn’t tell us why,” hinted Landis.
“Mr. Harrison had little faith in human nature. I believe he regarded Mr. Allen as a fortune hunter.”
“What is your own opinion, Miss Mount?”
“On that subject I have none, Mr. Landis.”
“Thanks,” replied Landis dryly. “Didn’t Mr. Harrison also threaten the young people in some way?”
“He did. He told Mr. Allen that if they married without his consent he would cut Anita off without a penny.”
“That was rather strong, wasn’t it? How did it happen that Allen stayed in the house after that?”
“I suppose Mr. Allen stayed on to be near Anita and possibly in the hope that Mr. Harrison might relent. It was like his peculiar humor to tell Mr. Allen that he was welcome to remain as a guest so long as he chose.”