A few sharp and urgent snatches of it came unmistakably from the bell at the gate of the college grounds.

It was a loud bell, used to summon a servant from the college to open the gates; for though there was a porter's lodge, it was uninhabited.
"Who on earth can it be ?" said Agatha.

"Can't they find the wicket, the idiots ?" "Oh, I hope not! Do come upstairs, Agatha." "No, I won't.

Go you, if you like." But Gertrude was afraid to go alone.

"I think I had better waken Miss Wilson, and tell her," continued Agatha.