In these circumstances the fact that he was separated from his family, and as it were from all his past life and traditions, by a chance accident, did not disturb him greatly; indeed, he was for the first time a little doubtful of their probable criticism on his inconsistency, and was by no means in a hurry to subject himself to it.
Lifting his eyes, he was suddenly aware that the door leading to the kitchen was slowly opening.

He had thought he heard it creak once or twice during his deliberate reply to Stanner.

It was evidently moving now so as to attract his attention, without disturbing the others.

It presently opened sufficiently wide to show the face of Zeenie, who, with a gesture of caution towards his companions, beckoned him to join her.
He rose carelessly as if going out, and, putting on his hat, entered the kitchen as the retreating figure of the young girl glided lightly towards the stables.

She ascended a few open steps as if to a hay-loft, but stopped before a low door.