"Molly O'Brien, I hear the rending of note-paper!"

Molly jumped; her face grew scarlet.

"Oh, Nell! I!—I—"

Through the keyhole there was a ripple of triumphant laughter. Molly stood, red, and stammering futile excuses, and heard the laughter die away down the passage.

CHAPTER XXXV

"Denis," said Nell, "let's!"

She turned to him; her cheeks were flushed pink, her breath came in quick little pants between her lips.

"Right you are!"

She ran towards the door, but Ted barred her way.

"I'm a mere cautious Englishman," he said, with an uncomfortable little laugh. "I want to remind you—"