"Such coincidences do occur in the best-regulated families. You're sure you are all right?"
"Quite, thank you. And you?"
"Oh, quite. Good night."
"Good night."
They passed each other; he looked back over his shoulder. Nell had stopped. He turned, went back, swung her up into his strong arms.
"I'll carry you back to your bed, young lady, and lock the door on you!" He took her and plumped her down on to her bed. He bent and rubbed his cheek against hers. "Strange we should both be walking in our sleep to-night, old girl!"
"Very strange—duckie!"
"Nell! I won't be called names. Atom asleep?"
"I think so."
Soon after he had gone the door was opened with a laborious care and creakiness that proclaimed Molly. Nell smothered a laugh. "Of course! Forgotten something."