And she relapsed again into thought.
"So the locked room has something to do with Aunt Caroline not liking to have me learn to draw," said Elizabeth to herself. "I thought so. But, oh dear, it will never do for Val to make so much noise! I must go and tell him."
She slipped away very soon, and after going to her own room crept down the short flight of stairs and along the passageway to the door of the mysterious chamber. She found Valentine sitting on the floor, convulsed with laughter.
"Did you hear me?" he asked, in a stage whisper. "I haven't dared to move since. I upset a chair. Giminy! it scared me to death! And I expected the whole family to march in the door the very next minute. Didn't you hear me at all?"
"Hear you! I should think we did. It was a very narrow escape, and I have come to tell you that you must be more careful. You had better not stir at all, for we are in the library, right underneath. And oh, Val, I do feel so guilty! Aunt Caroline is so kind, and says I can take drawing-lessons, and here I am deceiving her! I suppose you would not let me off now?"
"Well, I should like to see myself letting you off now! No, sir. You have just the same as promised, and that is the end of it."
Elizabeth sighed deeply and was about to leave him, but he detained her.
"I say, Elizabeth, what about dinner? I'm awfully hungry."
"Hungry again? Why, I brought you a lot of things to eat."
"Gee whiz, girl! Do you think I can live for hours on crackers and cake? Don't you think you can smuggle up some dinner for me?"