“Oh, she’s quite an impossible person,” said Mary. “But here come some of the stragglers. Now we must resume our play. Hullo! Nellie; is it my turn to be blindfolded?”
The elder girls, the boys, and the little girls continued their play, Honora ran up to Penelope’s room and tapped at the door. Penelope started, and at first did not reply. But the tap was repeated, and she was forced to say, “Who’s there?”
“It is I—Honora,” called a voice.
“Oh, Nora—I am just going to bed,” answered Penelope.
“No, you’re not, dear. Let me in, please.”
There was another moment of hesitation. Then the door was unlocked, and Honora entered. The room was full of moonlight, for Penelope had not lighted any candle.
“What is it, Nora?” she said.
“I thought I’d come and sit with you for a little, for—you naughty thing—you’ve not gone to bed; I happened to see you from the garden below. What is the matter, Pen?”
“I want to be alone to-night so very badly,” said Penelope.
“You’re very unhappy, Pen—I want to know what is the matter.”