All at once the door of the room was pushed open, and a woman ran in.

On seeing the stranger present, she darted back with an exclamation of surprise.
"Oh, Miss Smales, I didn't know as you wasn't alone! I heard you moving about, and come just to arst you to lend me--but never mind, I'm so sorry; why didn't you lock the door ?" And she bustled out again, apparently in much confusion.
Harriet had dropped the thing she held in her hand, and stood looking at her cousin as if dismayed.
"I never thought any one was in," she said nervously.

"It's Miss Mould, the lodger.

She went out before I did, and I never heard her come back.
Whatever will she think!" "But of course," he stammered, "you will explain everything to her.

She knows who I am, doesn't she ?" "I don't think so, and, even if she did--" She stopped, and stood with eyes on the ground, doing her best to display maiden confusion.