Alexander made Drusilla sit down in the easy chair before the fire, and then he went and carefully closed and fastened the doors and windows, and finally came and took a seat by her side.
And they sat there a little while to warm and rest themselves before going up stairs to bed.
“Alick,” said Drusilla, “I hope if you ever do find out who that man is, you will do him no harm.”
“I will be his death,” exclaimed Alexander, grinding his teeth.
“No, no, no; he may have been some poor forlorn creature, who having no home of his own, looked in upon ours, as upon a paradise.”
“He was, more likely, some vulgar wretch, who in prowling about here at night, after game, has found out that a very pretty little woman lives here, often all alone, and has made up his mind to get as many peeps at her as he can.”
“Oh, Alick!”
“That is the secret, now I come to think quietly over the matter, my dear; and your brilliantly lighted windows were the beacons that first drew him here to gaze on you at will; to feast his eyes on your beauty; perhaps to fall in love with you! Come, what do you think of it all now?” inquired Mr. Lyon, maliciously.
“Oh, Alick, Alick, don’t talk so to me. I am your wife. Such thoughts——” She paused, and blushing deeply, turned away her head.
“What is the matter, little love?” he laughed.