Then Nell spoke. "No," she said. "You and Phil can do as you like, and Cousin Robert and Mr. Starr; but I shall sit up."
Of course I told her I would sit up, too; and as Mr. van Buren said the commercial travelers had left the dining-room, he and Mr. Starr and Nell and I bade Lady MacNairne good-night, and went down.
The unfortunate Rabbit was in the act of putting out the light, but he was obliged to leave it for us, a necessity which distressed him.
By-and-by it was eleven, and the hotel was as silent as a hotel in a Dead City ought to be. We talked spasmodically. Sometimes we were still for many minutes, listening for sounds outside; and we could hear the scampering of mice behind the walls.
"I can't stand this," said Nell. "I'm going to the harbor."
"I will take you," replied Mr. van Buren.
"No, thank you," said Nell. "I'd rather you stopped with Phil. She has a cold, and mustn't get wet."
"May I go?" asked Mr. Starr.
"Yes," she said.
So they stole away through the sleeping house, and presently we heard the front door close. Mr. van Buren and I were alone together.