"It is easier to persuade them, to play the Pied Piper to the world."
He glanced at her with eyes that asked, "Where did you learn this wisdom?"
And presently he began to speak of De Rothan. It was the first time that he had mentioned the Chevalier's name since his meeting with Jeremy Winter. The adventurer had come to rouse in Durrell a feeling of repulsion. He had allowed himself to realise what manner of man this was whom he had pretended to call friend.
Nance let him talk, even encouraging him to speak of Jasper Benham. Jeremy Winter's anxiety had been unable to convince her that this monstrous piece of kidnapping could be very serious. It was an insolent attempt to extort terms. That was what Nance believed, not knowing the abominable and wanton things of which a revengeful man is capable. De Rothan had not yet taken his change for that rolling in the ditch.
She tried to suggest to Durrell what he should do.
"If the Chevalier de Rothan comes here, father, try and show him how absurd this is. Jasper and Mr. Winter will let him leave the country. They will keep silent—for our sakes."
Durrell looked troubled. Since the change in him he distrusted De Rothan even more than Nance distrusted him.
"This is a difficult man to argue with."
"But what sense is there? Who really believes that the French will land?"
"My dear, I believed it a week ago."