Then I am going down to the village to get some dry clothes, and I shall go up to the Hall and talk to your stepmother." "If you make me go back," she declared, "I shall run away the first time I have an opportunity, and if you will not have me, I dare say I can find some one else who has a room to let, who will." "I am not your keeper," he answered, "but please don't do anything rash until I tell you what your stepmother says." "It is you who are rash," she declared.

"I do not think that I can let you go.

I am afraid, and the water looks so cruel to-night." He laughed as he stepped outside.
"I am going round to leave some orders with Mr.Berners' servant," he said, "and after that I am going.

You must ring for anything you want, and the man will show you your room if you want to lie down.

I dare say, though, that some one will come from the Hall presently.