‘How can I guess, my dear?’
‘Why, a lady, seated in this very room, as if she was waiting for somebody. She was oldish, Ellen says, and had a very white face, with long curls hanging down each side of it; and she wore a blue bonnet with white feathers, and a long black cloak, and—’
‘Emily, Emily! Stop! You don’t know what you’re talking about. That girl is a fool: you must send her away. That is, how could the lady have got in if the door was closed? Good heavens! you’ll all drive me mad between you with your folly!’ exclaimed Mr Braggett, as he threw himself back in his chair, with an exclamation that sounded very like a groan.
Pretty Mrs Braggett was offended. What had she said or done that her husband should doubt her word? She tossed her head in indignation, and remained silent. If Mr Braggett wanted any further information, he would have to apologise.
‘Forgive me, darling,’ he said, after a long pause. ‘I don’t think I’m very well this evening, but your story seemed to upset me.’
‘I don’t see why it should upset you,’ returned Mrs Braggett. ‘If strangers are allowed to come prowling about the house in this way, we shall be robbed some day, and then you’ll say I should have told you of it.’
‘Wouldn’t she—this person—give her name?’
‘Oh! I’d rather say no more about it. You had better ask Ellen.’
‘No, Emily! I’d rather hear it from you.’