"These are the doorways that Mr. Crawford wishes to have boarded up," said Hetty, pronouncing the name with an effort, for she was still in tumult and perplexity about his visit and words.
"Yes, ma'am," said Red Jim with extreme deference, and looking full at her with his wide, open expressionless blue eyes, but moving no muscle, showing no sign of taking action.
The girl was highly strung, and his impassive stolidity irritated her.
"Well, what are you going to do?" she asked briskly.
"Whatever you like, ma'am," he answered with gallantry and impartiality.
"Whatever I like!" she cried impatiently. "I have nothing to do with it. What did Mr. Crawford say to you about this place. There can be no mistake, I suppose--you saw him to-day?"
"I did."
"And what did he say to you about this?" pointing to the gaping gateway.
"Nothing."
The girl stared at him in angry surprise. "Then why did you come here?"