"I can't 'elp bein' afraid, sir. I know she's dead an' can't do me no 'arm ... not that she'd want to do me any 'arm ... I will say that for 'er ... but some'ow I'm afraid all the same, sir. I can't 'elp it!"
"I want to get a book out of my room," Henry interjected, "so I'll go upstairs with her!"
"Oh, thank you, sir," said Magnolia gratefully. "I know she wouldn't 'arm me if she could 'elp it, not if she was alive any'ow, but they're different when they're dead!..." She broke down, blubbering hopelessly. "Oh, I wish I was 'ome," she moaned.
"Come on, Magnolia!" Henry said, opening the door for her.
"That girl's getting on my nerves," Gilbert murmured when she had gone.
Magnolia followed Henry upstairs. They had to pass the room in which the dead woman lay, and Magnolia, when she reached the door, gave a little squeal of fright and ran forward, thrusting past Henry.... "Don't be a fool, Magnolia!" he said, catching hold of her arm and steadying her.
"I'm frightened, sir!" she moaned, looking up at him with dilated eyes.
"There's nothing to be afraid of. Come along!"
He took her to her room and opened the door for her.
"You're all right now, aren't you?" he said, switching on the light.