And then more emphatically, and in some desperation: "Remember, we have got to do something! We have simply got to have money!" Matilda was beginning to whimper yieldingly, when a knock sounded at their door.

They clutched each other, but did not answer.
The knuckles rapped again.
They continued silent.
The knock sounded more loudly.
"It's the landlady, come to throw us out," quaked Matilda.
"Open the door," ordered Mrs.De Peyster, decorously rearranging the throat of her dress, "and tell her she shall have her money in the morning." Matilda unlocked the door, partially opened it, then fell back with a little cry.

There entered the Reverend Mr.Pyecroft.He smiled at them, put a finger to his lips.

Then he locked the door behind him.
"Please leave this instant!" commanded Mrs.De Peyster.
"It is not in my nature," he returned in his bland voice, "to go and leave behind me fellow creatures in distress." "Fellow creatures in distress ?" repeated Mrs.De Peyster.
"I was passing," said he, "and chanced to overhear you say a moment since that you simply had to have money." Mrs.De Peyster's face filled with suspicion.

"You have been listening all the while ?" "Possibly," said Mr.Pyecroft, with the same bland smile.
"Eavesdropper!" His smile did not alter.