"Matilda, I think I have it." "What is it, ma'am ?"--with faintly reviving hope.
"You have the keys to my house.

You slip back there to-night, find my purse, or bring something that you might sell." Matilda slumped down, aghast.
"It's perfectly simple," Mrs.De Peyster reassured her.

"We should have thought of it at first." "But, ma'am!" quaveringly protested Matilda.

"Suppose a policeman should see me! They watch those closed houses.

And suppose--suppose he should shoot!" "Nonsense, Matilda! No one will see you if you are careful." "But if--if--Mr.Jack should hear me and come down and see me--" "We shall prepare for such an emergency some kind of plausible explanation that will satisfy Jack." "But, ma'am, please! I don't think I could ever do it!" "Matilda, it is the only way"-- in the voice of authority.