Nance was not to be put aside so easily.
"Then, why did he go?"
"Possibly because of something I said to him."
"What did you say to him?"
"Nance, I am not minded to be cross-questioned by my child."
She flushed, and showed a frank impatience.
"Am I to have no friends? What harm is there? You know, father, it is dangerous, sometimes, to try and smother all that is in us."
Durrell glanced at her sharply. He was man enough to be struck by the undeniable truth that challenged him out of the mouth of this young girl.
"Nance, what I do I do because it is right."
"But, have I no right to know?"