The little Irishman ran on before her, eager to show the generous lady how useful he could be.

In less than half an hour, Iris and her maid were at the door of the farm-house.

No such civilised inventions appeared as a knocker or a bell.

The boy used his knuckles instead--and ran away when he heard the lock of the door turned on the inner side.

He was afraid to be seen speaking to any living creature who inhabited the "evicted farm." A decent old woman appeared, and inquired suspiciously "what the ladies wanted." The accent in which she spoke was unmistakably English.