"We can only get to it through the garden, now the back way is closed. I closed it because the village children——"
"Had not you better shut the door? If any one passed down the road, they would see it was open."
"It's as dark as pitch."
"Yes, but there's a little light from within. I can see you from outside quite plainly standing in the doorway."
I led her indoors, and locked and bolted the door.
"What is this room?"
"The houseplace. I have my meals here. I live very primitively. My idea is——"
"Then your servant may come in at any moment to lay your supper."
I could not say that she seemed nervous or frightened, but the way she cut me short showed that she was so in reality. I was not offended, for I am the first to make allowance when rudeness is not intentional. I led the way hastily into the parlour.
"She never comes in here," I said reassuringly, "after she has once brought in the lamp. I am supposed to be working, and must not be disturbed."