Wilkie Collins

“ Ambrose answered. "How could we foresee that the neighbours would search the kiln, and say what they have said of us? All we feared was, that the old man might hear of the quarrel, and be bitterer against us than ever. I was the more anxious of the two to keep things secret, because I had Naomi to consider as well as the old man. Put yourself in my place, and you will own, sir, that the prospect at home was not a pleasant one for me, if John Jago really kept away from the farm, and if it came out that it was all my doing." ”

“ She started and turned pale, when Ambrose repeated to her what Silas had said to him.
"Nothing is the matter," Naomi answered. "Your brother has no right to take liberties with my name. Go on. Did Silas say any more while he was about it?"
"Yes: he looked into the kiln; and he says, 'What made you throw away the knife, Ambrose?'—'How does a man know why he does anything,' I says, 'when he does it in a passion?'—'It's a ripping-good knife,' says Silas: 'in your place, I should have kept it.' I picked up the stick off the ground. ”

“ I looked at Naomi.
"I believe it too," she said, "John Jago is keeping away."
"Do you suppose he is afraid of Ambrose and Silas?"
She hesitated.
"He may be afraid of them," she replied, with a strong emphasis on the word "may." ”