“You and I must go off and see Stephanotie; but we cannot do so until everyone is in bed.”
“How can we go then?”
“We can easily climb down from this window. You see this pear-tree; it almost touches the window. I have climbed down by it more than once; we can get in again the same way.”
“Oh, yes. If we must sneak out of the house like thieves,” said Nora, “it's as good as any other way.”
“I tell you it's the only way,” said Molly. “We must be off on our way to London before mother gets up tomorrow morning. You don't know anything whatever about trains.”
“But I can look them out,” said Nora.
“Well, go back to your room. Mother will not be going to bed for quite an hour. We cannot help it; we can do nothing until she is safe in bed. Go away at once, Nora; for if she finds you here talking to me she will suspect something. I cannot tell you what mother is when once her suspicions are aroused; and she has had good cause to suspect me before now.”
“But do you really mean to say you'll come with me?”
“I certainly mean to say I won't let you go alone. Now then, go away; just pack a few things, and slip back to me when I knock on the wall. I know when mother has gone to bed; it is necessary that she should be asleep, and that Linda should be asleep also; that is all we require. Leave the rest to me.”
“And you are certain Stephanotie can lend us the money?”