“It's quite an agreeable surprise to see you,” I ventured as cheerfully as I could, as she made no move to speak. My followers looked awkward and uncomfortable.
At the sound of my voice, Mother Borton's bent brows relaxed a little.
“If you'd send these fellows out, I reckon we could talk a bit better,” she said sourly.
“Certainly. Just wait in the hall, boys; and close the door.”
Porter and Barkhouse ambled out, and Mother Borton gave her chair a hitch that brought us face to face.
“You ain't so bad off here,” she said, looking around critically. “Can any one git in them winders?”
I explained that the west window might be entered from the rear stairway by the aid of the heavy shutter, if it were swung back and the window were open. I added that we kept it closed and secured.
“And you say there's a thirty-foot drop from this winder?” she inquired, pointing to the north.
I described the outlook on the alley.
She nodded as if satisfied.