"Guard that door then! and let no one pass. If there is any one trespassing in here I want to find 'em."
He began a systematic search of the room until suddenly the reflector from the flash-light shone full on the two girls.
Ethel was sitting back fainting in a chair, clinging to Peg, who was standing beside her trembling.
"ETHEL!" cried Alaric in amazement.
"MARGARET!" said Mrs. Chichester in anger.
"Well, I mean to say," ejaculated the astounded young man as he walked across to the switch and flooded the room with light.
"That will do," ordered Mrs. Chichester, dismissing the equally astonished footman, who passed out, curiosity in every feature.
"What are you two girls playin' at?" demanded Alaric.
"What does this mean?" asked Mrs. Chichester severely.
"Sure, Ethel heard me here," answered Peg, "an' she came in, an'—"