"Paradise," said he gravely, "is a Persian word, and signifies a large enclosure filled with wild beasts."
"That is not a pretty thing to say, seeing that I am in this enclosure."
"Oh! if you want compliments, I----"
"No, no! I want no compliments," she cried hastily, putting the key in the lock; "you must not think I am so foolish as to believe all you say."
"Do I, then, talk such sad nonsense?"
"I'm afraid so. Pray do not talk any more, but enter into your wild-beast enclosure."
The heavy gates opened with a rumble, and Dan stepped in. When he was on the right side Meg locked the gates once more. He was rather amused at so useless a precaution.
"Are you afraid of thieves here?"
"No. But Miss Linisfarne does not like strangers to enter the park. She will let no one see her."
"A female veiled prophet! Why does she live so secluded?"