She had resolved before not to summon the Doctor for aid in her difficulties, but now that chance had brought him here the opportunity seemed too good a one to let slip.
"Doctor," she said, "I think I ought to tell you something.

Last night and the night before, attempts were made to enter this house.

Once an intruder actually got in and was frightened away by Lizzie at the top of that staircase." She indicated the alcove stairs.

"And twice I have received anonymous communications threatening my life if I did not leave the house and go back to the city." Dale rose from her settee, startled.
"I didn't know that, Auntie! How dreadful!" she gasped.
Instantly Miss Cornelia regretted her impulse of confidence.

She tried to pass the matter off with tart humor.
"Don't tell Lizzie," she said.