"You have heard my advice.

You are not an Englishman, but I suppose you've got some intelligence." Lala bowed and spread his hands, but replied not.
"Your opinion should be asked," Joseph went on, "because you see, as the only other person, besides my grandfather and my cousin, in the house, you might yourself be suspected.

Indeed," he added, "I have no doubt you will be suspected.

When I talk over the conduct of the case, which will be my task, I suppose, it will, perhaps, be my duty to suspect you." Lala bowed again and again, spread his hands, but did not speak.
In fact, Joseph now perceived that he was having the conversation wholly to himself.

His grandfather sat passive, listening as one who, in a dream, hears voices but does not heed what they are saying, yet smiling politely.