It was at this black moment that Tiel and Eileen entered the room. My heart stood still for an instant at the thought that, in their first surprise, something might be disclosed or some slip made by one of us. But the next instant I saw that they had learned who was here and were perfectly prepared.
"How do you do, Mr Craigie!" cried Eileen radiantly.
Mr Craigie seemed distinctly taken aback by the absence of all signs of guilt or confusion.
"I'm keeping as well as I can, thank you, considering my anxiety," said he.
"About my sister, sir?" inquired Tiel with his most brazen effrontery, coming forward and smiling cordially. "Surely you got my letter?"
I started. The man clearly had been at the key-hole during the latter part of our conversation, or he could hardly have made this remark fit so well into what I had said.
"I'm afraid I didn't."
"Tut, tut!" said Tiel, with a marvellously well-assumed air of annoyance. "The local posts seem to have become utterly disorganised. Apparently they pay no attention to civilian letters at all."
"You're right there," replied Mr Craigie with feeling. "The only use we are for is just to be taxed."
"What must you think of us?" cried Eileen, whose acting was fully the equal of Tiel's. "However, my brother will explain everything now."