"I always mean what I say," replied the lady curtly.
In the meantime Kezia and Bessie had advanced together, preparing themselves to face the police inspector, but hoping it would be nothing worse than the tax collector. Bessie opened the door, while Kezia sidled behind her. The next moment they both groaned with horror.
"Is Miss Blisland in?" asked a pert young voice.
"She might be," replied Bessie hoarsely.
"Ask her please if she'll come out and speak to me."
"Oh, my dear, shut the door and bolt it!" Kezia whispered.
This was done, and they presented themselves in the parlour with woeful faces.
"It's her!" Bessie announced. "She wants to see you. She's standing on our doorstep!"
"Who?" cried Nellie.
"The last of 'em—the one that come yesterday. She didn't tell us her name."