The reasons that Bessie give for encouraging old Hagberd in his insane hopes are:

1) Firstly, she said Harry that he should try convincing old Hagberd that he is only his son and make him at his normal state.

2) Secondly, When Harry Hagberd said that ‘He isn’t frisky—is he? I would be afraid to lay hold of

him. Then to encourage old Hagberd insane hope she said, Harry, that “Old Hagberd was the most harmless creature that ever lived”