"He's come!" said Bobby, putting down his knife and fork.
"It sounds like it," said the girl. "But it may be only a tradesman."
"Shall I go out and listen at the kitchen door?" asked Effie, half slipping from her chair.
"No," said Miss Grimshaw, "sit still. You are too fond of listening at doors, and only for you, you naughty child——"
She checked herself. Only for Effie and her mischievous letter they might have been in security now, and not threatened like this.
"Only for me, what?" asked Effie.
Miss Grimshaw had no time to reply, for at that moment Mr. French re-entered the room. His face was flushed; he shut the door; and then, "May the divil fly away with Dick Giveen!" he said. "He's got me at last, confound him! It's the bailiff."
"Oh, heavens!" said Bobby.
"What's he like?" asked Miss Grimshaw the practical.