Ben grasped. "Ye think I don't show them kindness!? Ye think I don't comfort!? I love every one of these children and I-," he had to stop himself, for his voice became unsteady. He turned and paced away from Elijah, before he spun round again. He looked at the young man, almost begging him: "I want my children to grow up to be good and responsible... And if I've given them a hidin' I've always made sure they know I love them, and I won't stop lovin' them. But Simon..." He threw his hands up into the air and shook his head. Then he put his hands in his hair. "'e's a stranger livin' under my roof."