Venter asks Bess, "what were you to Oldring?" How does Bess answer and what does her answer mean? Since Venters stops her before she can explain further, do you think there might be more to her story?

When Venters inquires as to Bess's relationship with Oldring, she blushes. This could mean many different things, but Venters, not really wanting to know more because he is growing attached to Bess, stops her from talking. Her blush could mean many things, not just that she is Oldring's lover.