“Don’t see why they keep hangin’ on here unless they’re wise to something,” Henry muttered to his wife.
“What could they know?” Cora had demanded sullenly. “If you keep a close tongue in your head, nothing will get out.”
“You’re the one that has the wagging tongue,” Henry returned crossly. “I’d feel better if Trent would get back here. I’m for gittin’ the thing over with as quick as we can. No telling what may queer the deal.”
This snatch of conversation set Doris and Kitty to thinking anew of the sinister plot which was brewing. Yet, until they had learned more about Ronald Trent, they did not wish to alarm the Misses Gates. Since their arrival, Azalea and Iris had been very kind to them and had seemed to enjoy their company a great deal. Cora and Henry Sully had been most unpleasant, especially when there was no one about to observe their behavior, but the girls, knowing what lay behind the sullen actions, did not permit themselves to become annoyed.
“They mean to make it so unpleasant for us that we’ll leave,” Doris declared. “You know, Cora was hinting today that the mansion is haunted!”
“What!”
“Yes, she said that since Mr. Gates died, they have heard strange noises here at night.”
“Doris, do you believe the place is—”
“Of course not,” Doris laughed reassuringly. “You’re old enough to know there aren’t any ghosts.”
“Yes,” Kitty quavered, “but this house is old, and we have been hearing strange noises at night.”