Arrived at the Hall, she slipped upstairs with the cat-like quiet and ease that always characterized her movements.

At the door of her room she paused for a moment, listening to the sound of voices that came from within.

Then, with a vehement exclamation, she flung wide the door and darted into the room.
"Whatever you have to say of me you can say in my presence," she stormed.

"Do you hear?
I said, 'In my presence,'" she repeated, her voice rising.
The two astonished occupants of the room regarded the angry girl in silent astonishment.

Then the tension of the moment relaxed, and Alice Rawle found her voice.