Agatha shook her head with a confident smile. 'He was a gentleman, and had a true face; I am not at all afraid of him.'
'It is quite an adventure,' said Clare, flushing up with excitement. 'Now, what do you think he wanted to get at in the cupboard? Is it a treasure store, or does it hide some ghastly secret? I really think I should have peeped through the key-hole, and seen how he opened it. It would have been such an opportunity.'
'Did you dismiss him with a tract?' asked Gwen mockingly.
'No, I had not one by me,' said Agatha simply. 'I feel very sorry for him. He is in great trouble about his son.'
'And you are sure he does not want to come back and turn us out? It would be very awkward if he did.'
'He seemed quite certain on that point.'
Gwen heaved a sigh of relief. 'I think I will tell you what I purpose doing, she said rather solemnly; 'or shall I put it off till to-morrow?'
'"'Tis the Sabbath,"' quoted Elfie, mimicking old Deb Howitt's tones.
'If it is anything startling, I would rather you kept it till to-morrow,' said Agatha; 'I have had quite enough to startle me already.'
'Oh, very well,' responded Gwen unconcernedly; 'my news will keep.'