"Why thank you, Alice, that is very kind," I say. "I am sure Mr Durand will appreciate your help. Do come back down straightaway, though, cherie," I say, because something about Mr Durand's story seems not quite right, "so you can help me eat these cookies." I have no problem if the man has a past he wants to leave behind - that is true of so many of our guests - but that doesn't mean I want to leave my ward with him until I have a better sense of his character.