Mr. Rose made a strange noise in his throat and then, accepting his defeat, set off at a rapid pace in the direction of home. In a marvellously short space of time, considering his age and figure, he was seen returning with Ned Quince, flushed and dishevelled, walking by his side.
"Here he is," said the farmer. "Now where's that key?"
Lawyer Quince took his son by the arm and led him into the house, from whence they almost immediately emerged with Ned waving the key.
"I thought it wasn't far," said the sapient Mr. Hogg.
Ned put the key in the lock and flinging the door open revealed Celia Rose, blinking and confused in the sudden sunshine. She drew back as she saw her father and began to cry with considerable fervour.
"How did you get in that shed, miss?" demanded her parent, stamping.
Miss Rose trembled.
"I—I went there," she sobbed. "I didn't want to go away."