The Honourable John Ruffin was the last man in the world to spoil her simple pleasure, and as they came into the sitting-room he suddenly gripped her arm.
Eglantine jumped and squeaked.
"Hist!" said the Honourable John Ruffin, laying a finger on his lips, frowning portentously, and rolling his eyes. Then he added in blank verse, as being appropriate to the conspiratorial attitude: "I thought I heard a footstep on the stairs."
They both listened intently—at least Eglantine did; she hardly breathed in her intentness. Then he said in a declamatory fashion:
"I was mistaken; we are saved again."
He loosed her arm. She breathed more easily, tapped the kit-bag, and said:
"I 'av brought ze Lady Marion's clo'es."
"Good," said the Honourable John Ruffin. "Sit down."
She sat down, breathing quickly, gazing earnestly at the Honourable John Ruffin, who folded his arms and wore his best darkling air.
Presently Pollyooly's key grated in the lock.