“Well, if thee won’t be long,” agreed Sally reluctantly.
Both girls passed into the sitting-room, while Peggy proceeded to the kitchen. As has been said, the kitchen was attached to the main dwelling by a covered entry way. On one side of this was a door leading out to the west terrace, which, the girl noticed, was partly open.
“No wonder ’tis hard to keep the kitchen warm with that door open,” she cried. “That must be some of Tom’s carelessness. I must speak to him.”
She put down the dish-pan on the wash bench, and went to the door to close it. As it resisted her efforts to shut she stepped outside to see what the trouble was. A startled ejaculation left her lips as the form of a man issued from behind it.
“What does thee wish, friend?” demanded Peggy sternly. “Why does thee not come to the door like an honest man instead of sneaking behind it? I shall call my father.”
“Don’t, Peggy,” came in low tones from the man. “I was watching for you. Will you shelter an escaping prisoner, my cousin?”
“Clifford!” she cried in amazement. “Oh, Clifford!”