Curiously enough there was a note almost of real merriment in the laugh which followed.
"I am not very brave, my dear Cecil," she said, "but I am not afraid of you.

I think that one does not fear the things that one understands too well, and you I do understand too well, much too well." They reached the empty gun-room.

Cecil threw open the hidden door.
"Will you go first or last ?" he said to the girl.

"Choose your own place." The girl laughed.
"The door seemed to open easily," she remarked, "considering that it has not been used for so long." "Never mind about that," Cecil said sharply.

"Are you coming with us ?" "I am coming," Kate answered composedly, "and I will walk last." "As you please," Cecil answered.