"Who, the woman? Had she gone away?" asked Lily.
"Yes, she had gone; no sign of her. But didn't you say you had shut her out?"
"I told her to stay out, 'cause there was no one about in this part of the house to take care of her," answered Lily, with an air of confident wisdom and prudence.
"And did you not shut the door?" asked Tom.
"Not so very tight," said Lily. "I left it a little scrap open, for fear her feelings would be hurt, and maybe she might think I wasn't coming back to her."
"Oh, wise Lily!" said Tom, laughing, as he put on his overcoat; "you left the door standing open, and told her there was no one in this part of the house! Next time, little woman, close the door."
"Did she come in?" asked Lily. "I told her she must not."
"No, I believe not," answered Tom; "and as it is there is no harm done, for I've looked round, and there's nothing touched. The hats and coats are all right, and every thing else seems to be safe. You've had better luck or a better beggar than poor Maggie; but next time, puss, don't you leave any one the chance to walk in when the coast is clear."
"You're sure there's nothing taken, and that she's not in the house, Master Tom?" said prudent Nora.