He tried to temporize, to whittle away her fears.

That was a duty he owed to Forbes, who was clearly resolved not to take his daughter into his confidence--for the present, at any rate.
"I really fail to see why you should assume some connection between the crime which was committed here on Monday night and the arrival of a somewhat singular package at your house this morning," he said reassuringly.
"Like every other woman, I jump at conclusions," she answered.

"Why should this crime, in particular, have worried my father?
Unfortunately, the newspapers are full of such horrid things, yet he hardly ever pays them any attention.

No, Mr.Theydon, I am not mistaken.

He either knew Mrs.Lester, and was shocked at her death, or saw in it some personal menace.