Your stepmother is already anxious.

I have promised that you shall be back at the Hall by ten o'clock." The gaiety suddenly faded from her face.

Her lips, which had been curved in laughter, quivered.
"You mean that ?" she faltered.
"Most assuredly," he answered.

"I have no place for lodgers here.

As a matter of fact, if you knew the truth, you would admit that your staying here is quite impossible." "Well," she said, "I should like to know the truth.