Self-interest is the strongest of human motives, and men wanting favours are in a mood to yield something in return.
"Well, Thalassa," he said, amiably enough, but watching him with the eye of a hawk, "I do not think your request is altogether unreasonable--in the circumstances.

I dare say it could be arranged.

I'll try to do so, but I should like you to answer me one or two questions first." "What do you want to know ?" "Was your master's daughter here--in the house, I mean--on the night of his death ?" Thalassa's face hardened.

"You, too ?" he said simply.

"I say again, as I said before, that she was not." "You said so," rejoined Mr.Brimsdown softly.