"I —would rather not, please. You think I'm in danger, don't you?"
"No danger at Greythorne," said Lady Matthews. "Lots of burglars, but we can take care of you!"
"I'm quite safe, Lady Matthews. Did you see a flatfaced person hanging about outside this place?"
"There was a man," admitted Lady Matthews. "He reminded me of weddings. You know. The detective who guards the presents. So pathetic. Quite obvious, and they must feel very conspicuous."
Shirley smiled. "Yes. Well, I'm the present. He's watching me. Your nephew put him there."
"So like him!" sighed Lady Matthews. "Very disconcerting, but perhaps just as well. I'll tell him to come and see you. Does the poor man follow you all day? I feel I should be impelled to give him a bun or a penny or something."
"All day," said Shirley. "There's another one who relieves him. So you see I'm safe enough if- if somewhat impeded." She looked up; Felicity had come back into the lounge.
"Secrets all over?" inquired Felicity without rancour.
"No secrets, darling," Lady Matthews said, rising. "Shirley won't come to Greythorne. Dreadfully obstinate. Any time, my dear?"
Shirley managed to follow this cryptic utterance. "Yes. That is, I'm going to Ivy Cottage this afternoon, just to finish the packing and have everything ready to be fetched away. So if I'm not here I'll be there."