Marie hoped he had enjoyed himself while skating; her stupid cold had kept her indoors.

She had amused herself rambling about the old homestead; it was such a queer place, so full of old nooks and corners and unaccountable spaces.

Just the place, she would think, where old treasures might have been stored.
Eh?
Mr.Gunn had not spoken--he had only coughed.

But in the darkness his eyes were fixed angrily on her face.

Without observing it, she went on.
She knew he was interested in the old house; she had heard him talk to Kitty about it: had Kitty ever said anything about some old secret hoarding place?
No, certainly not! And she was mistaken, he never was interested in the house! He could not understand what had put that idea in her head! Unless it was this ridiculous, shady stranger in the guise of an uncle whom they had got there.