She sat long in the darkness gazing out at the dim sea, desolate and menacing. She wanted company badly, someone in whom she could confide. Then there came a knock at the door, she almost feared to go, but it was such a gentle tap. She opened the door and saw Halley in the doorway.
“Miss Sefton,” he said, hurriedly raising his hat. “I must apologise for coming at this hour, and if your brother is not at home, of course, I will not come in, but I want to help you if I can.”
“What is it? You frighten me.”
“I am sorry. It was really your brother I wanted to see. I wanted to ask him what he does at The Red Cote.”
“The Red Cote, the bungalow without blinds?” she asked.
He nodded gravely. “Believe me it is of the utmost importance, the police will be here directly.”
Her hand sought her throat. “Police?” she gasped. “What do you mean?”
“You know The Red Cote?”
“Of course I do, the house without blinds they call it in the village. Come in,” Ena said, “I did not want you to stand outside, but your coming was so unexpected; I will tell my brother.”
She led him into the sitting room, and he lighted a lamp for her. Suddenly he turned. “You were all in the dark?” he said, and there was a tender note in his voice.