I only answered your questions." "You evidently take note of everything you see, and talk about it." "No, ma'am," said the girl earnestly.

"I really hold my tongue." "When it suits you," retorted Miss Loach.

"Hold it now and let me think!" While Miss Loach, staring frowningly into the fire, debated inwardly as to the advisability of engaging the girl, Susan looked timidly round the room.

Curiously enough, it was placed in the basement of the cottage, and was therefore below the level of the garden.

Two fairly large windows looked on to the area, which had been roofed with glass and turned into a conservatory.