We pushed it aside, and spurring our bravery by daring each other, we descended the dark stairway step by step until we came suddenly against the oak panel at the foot.

We grew frightened and cried aloud for help.

Fortunately, Tante Castleman was on the opposite side of the panel in the oak room, and--and--" She had been halting in the latter part of her narrative and I plainly saw what was coming.
"Tante Castleman was--was--It was fortunate she--was in--" She sprang to her feet, exclaiming: "I'm going to tell Twonette what I think of her boldness in sitting there in the dark with Sir Max.

Her father is not here to do it." And that was the last I heard of the stairway in the wall.
Yolanda ran across the room to the bench by the fireplace and stamped her foot angrily before Twonette.
"It--it is immodest for a girl to sit here in the deep shadow beside a gentleman for hours together.

Shame, Twonette! Your father is not here to correct you." Castleman had left the room.
Twonette laughed, rose hurriedly, and stood by Yolanda in front of Max.
Yolanda, by way of apology, took Twonette's hand, but after a few words she coolly appropriated her place "in the deep shadow beside a gentleman." A princess enjoys many privileges denied to a burgher girl.
When a girl happens to be both, the burgher girl is apt to be influenced by the princess, as the princess is apt to be modified by the life of the burgher girl.