Listen to that sigh of poor Nina's and you'll understand what it is to be dreary!' 'No; I want my tea.' 'And it shall have it,' said Kate, kissing her with a petting affectation as she left the room.
'Now one word, only one,' said Walpole, as he drew his chair close to her: 'If I swear to you--' 'What's that?
who is Kate angry with ?' cried Nina, rising and rushing towards the door.

'What has happened ?' 'I'll tell you what has happened,' said Kate, as with flashing eyes and heightened colour she entered the room.

'The large gate of the outer yard, that is every night locked and strongly barred at sunset, has been left open, and they tell me that three men have come in, Sally says five, and are hiding in some of the outhouses.' 'What for?
Is it to rob, think you ?' asked Walpole.
'It is certainly for nothing good.

They all know that papa is away, and the house so far unprotected,' continued Kate calmly.

'We must find out to-morrow who has left the gate unbolted.