“What are you talking about?” Rhoda rushed over and closed the door behind Grace.
“That man, that red-headed hunchback. Oh, the one that went through Nan’s bags. Surely, you haven’t forgotten him. Did you see him, too?” She directed the question at Laura again.
“Why, Gracie, no, I haven’t seen him.” Laura was very serious now. “Have you?”
“Oh, yes.” Grace was pale and frightened. “He’s out there. I think he followed me down the hall.” She was almost hysterical.
Laura moved toward the door and reached out as if to open it.
“Don’t do that!” Grace’s voice was a command. “He followed me. I tell you he followed me!” She almost shrieked the last.
Nan got up, went over to the girl, and put a reassuring arm around her. “Grace, please,” she begged. “Get hold of yourself. You’ll be making us all panicky. There, now, calm down.” She wiped the girl’s eyes.
“Oh, you’re treating me like a baby!” Grace shook herself out of Nan’s arms. “I tell you—” She paused and, for a second, the room was in complete silence.
Through it came the sound of a knock at the door. The girls looked questioningly at one another, but no one moved. Then, they heard it again, faintly.
Laura stirred. “I’m going to open it,” she whispered. Nan nodded her head. But before Laura could, they heard Amelia’s voice. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.