Towards the close of the repast, Mr. Fowden said:
"I fear I shall be obliged to trespass a little further on your hospitality, Miss Rawcliffe. I hope I shall not put you to inconvenience if I take up my quarters here to-night. I care not how you lodge me—put me in a haunted room if you think proper."
"You are quite welcome to remain here as long as you please, Mr. Fowden," said Constance—"the rather that I feel certain you will make no discovery. Markland will find you a chamber, where I hope you may rest comfortably."
"I will order a room to be got ready at once for his honour," said Markland.
"In the locked-up corridor?" observed the magistrate, with a laugh.
"No, not there, sir," said the butler.
"With your permission, Miss Rawcliffe, my men must also be quartered in the house," said Mr. Fowden.
"You hear, Markland," observed Constance.
"I will give directions accordingly," replied the butler.
And he quitted the room.