She recollected, too, Flockart's reply.
This hollow pretence of friendship angered her.

She knew that the man was her father's enemy, and that he had united with the clever, scheming woman in some ingenious conspiracy against the poor, helpless man.
Therefore she turned, and, facing him boldly, said, "I wish, Mr.
Flockart, that you would please understand that I have no intention to discuss my father or his affairs.

The latter concern himself alone.

He does not even speak of them to his wife; therefore why should strangers evince any interest in them ?" "Because there are rumours--rumours of a mystery; and mysteries are always interesting and attractive," was his answer.
"True," she said meaningly.

"Just as rumours concerning certain of my father's guests possess an unusual interest for him, Mr.Flockart.
Though my father may be blind, his hearing is still excellent.