"It isn't," she said. "It is a secret loop-hole, and it isn't here except in times of great duress. See! I can close it." The oblong blotch abruptly disappeared, only to reappear an instant later. I was beginning to understand. Of course it was in the beleaguered east wing! "I hope I didn't startle you a moment ago."
I resolved to be very stiff and formal about it. "May I enquire, madam, what you are doing in my hou—my castle?"
"You may."
"Well," said I, seeing the point, "what are you doing here?"
"I am living here," she answered distinctly.
"So I perceive," said I, rather too distinctly.
"And I have come down to ask a simple, tiny little favour of you, Mr. Smart," she resumed.
"You know my name?" I cried, surprised.
"I am reading your last book—Are you going?"
"Just a moment, please," I called out, struck by a splendid idea. Reaching inside the window I grasped the lanthorn and brought its rays to bear upon the—perfectly blank wall! I stared open-mouthed and unbelieving. "Good heaven! Have I been dreaming all this?" I cried aloud.