"Caretaker, miss. Especially—when Mr. Garman is away."
"Annette!" It was the older woman again.
"Aunty," the girl whirling about resolutely, "I want to know a lot of things; why is there said to be a colony here when there is only Mr. Garman's winter home? Why is there all this mystery round here? Why does Ramos prowl round like a watchdog?"
"Come in the house, dear. Leave Ramos to deal with the strangers."
"Why don't you answer me, aunty?"
"You foolish child!"
"I'm not a child." The red was burning in the girl's creamy cheeks.
"I won't be treated as a child. I want to know."
"Please, Annette, do not discuss your affairs before strangers."
"Strangers! Why, aunty, it's you who are strange to me. I can't understand you. It's all strange. My father letting me come here alone before he comes—he's strange, too, lately."
"I suppose Mr. Garman is strange to you too?"