"Ur—ur," she gurgled irrepressibly. "Oh, you tickled me!"
Herr Schmidt stumbled back.
"Himmel!" he gasped. "Ach, what is it?"
Nell emerged from the coat.
"Oh, hush! Aunt Kezia will hear you. She mustn't catch me down here."
A door opened overhead. A voice called over the balusters.
"Is that you, Herr Schmidt?"
"Yes, Miss McAlister, it is I. I stumble and make a noise. I beg pardon."
"It is granted. Good night, Herr Schmidt."
"You're a brick, Herr Schmidt," said Nell's pretty voice.