Matilda unlocked the door, partially opened it, then fell back with a little cry. There entered the Reverend Mr. Pyecroft. He smiled at them, put a finger to his lips. Then he locked the door behind him.
"Please leave this instant!" commanded Mrs. De Peyster.
"It is not in my nature," he returned in his bland voice, "to go and leave behind me fellow creatures in distress."
"Fellow creatures in distress?" repeated Mrs. De Peyster.
"I was passing," said he, "and chanced to overhear you say a moment since that you simply had to have money."
Mrs. De Peyster's face filled with suspicion. "You have been listening all the while?"
"Possibly," said Mr. Pyecroft, with the same bland smile.
"Eavesdropper!"
His smile did not alter. "I did not hear very much, really. Miss Thompson, may I beg the favor of a few minutes with you alone?"