"Well--I don't know that I am exactly afraid, but if you ask me if being woke in the middle of the night, to be told there's burglars in the house, is the kind of thing I'm fond of, I'll admit it isn't."
Madge laughed. Ella's tone, and air of exceeding ruefulness, apparently struck her as comical.
"It occurs to me, Miss Duncan, that it won't be long before Mr. Martyn makes a convert of you. As for me, now my blood's getting up--and it is getting up--I am beginning to think that it is rather fun."
"Are you? Then I'm afraid your sense of humour must be keener than mine." She followed Madge's example--putting on a pair of slippers and a dressing-gown. "Now, what are you going to do?"
"I'm going down to ask our guest to show me his card of invitation."
"Madge! Hadn't we better open the window and scream? Or you might fire into the air--if you're sure you do know how to fire a revolver."
"I'll soon show you if I know--and I'll show our visitor too. And I don't think we'd better open the window and scream. Are you coming?"
Madge moved out of the room, Ella going after her with a rush.
"Madge!--don't leave me!"
The two girls stood listening at the top of the stairs--Madge with the candlestick in one hand, and the revolver in the other.