"But if—if—Mr. Jack should hear me and come down and see me—"
"We shall prepare for such an emergency some kind of plausible explanation that will satisfy Jack."
"But, ma'am, please! I don't think I could ever do it!"
"Matilda, it is the only way"—in the voice of authority. And then more emphatically, and in some desperation: "Remember, we have got to do something! We have simply got to have money!"
Matilda was beginning to whimper yieldingly, when a knock sounded at their door. They clutched each other, but did not answer.
The knuckles rapped again.
They continued silent.
The knock sounded more loudly.
"It's the landlady, come to throw us out," quaked Matilda.
"Open the door," ordered Mrs. De Peyster, decorously rearranging the throat of her dress, "and tell her she shall have her money in the morning."