"Not that I know of. I know nothing. I only hear of Miss Hale, now, as my landlord, and through her lawyer."
He broke off from Higgins, to follow the business on which he had been bent when the latter first accosted him; leaving Higgins baffled in his endeavour.
"It was her brother," said Mr. Thornton to himself. "I am glad. I may never see her again; but it is a comfort--a relief--to know that much. I knew she could not be unmaidenly; and yet I yearned for conviction. Now I am glad!"

'I don't know. I only hear of Miss Hale now as my landlord, and through her lawyer.'
He broke away to go on his business, leaving Higgins baffled in his endeavour.
'It was her brother,' said Mr. Thornton to himself. 'I am glad. I may never see her again; but it is a comfort - a relief - to know that much. I knew she could not be unmaidenly; and yet I yearned for conviction. Now I am glad!'
