It was in his very blood to be sure of that.
Further than this point, the processes of Verman's mind become mysterious to the observer.

It appears, however, that he had a definite (though somewhat primitive) conception of the usefulness of disguise; and he must have begun his preparations before he heard footsteps in the room outside his closed door.
These footsteps were Margaret's.

Just as Mr.Schofield's coffee was brought, and just after Penrod had been baffled in another attempt to leave the table, Margaret rose and patted her father impertinently upon the head.
"You can't bully ME that way!" she said.

"I got home too late to dress, and I'm going to a dance.

'Scuse!" And she began her dancing on the spot, pirouetting herself swiftly out of the room, and was immediately heard running up the stairs.
"Penrod!" Mr.Schofield shouted.