After that you might explain why you didn't speak up when we first come, instead of keepin' so mighty quiet.

That looks kind of suspicious to me, I must say." The stranger's answer was prompt enough now.

It was evident he resented the suspicion.
"I didn't speak," he said, "because you took me by surprise and I wasn't, as I explained--er--presentable.

Besides, I was afraid of frightening you.

I assure you I hurried as fast as I could, quietly, and when you began to talk"-- his expression changed and there was a twitch at the corner of his mouth--"I tried to hurry still faster, hoping you might not hear me and I could make my appearance--or my escape--sooner.
As for entering the house--well, I considered it, in a way, my house; at least, I knew I should live in it for a time, and--" "Live in it ?" repeated Keziah.