I shut the door, and came close beside his chair.
'Oh, papa, I have such a thing to tell you!' I forgot to call him 'Sir.' 'A secret; and you won't say who told you?
Will you come down to the study ?' He looked hard at me, got up, and kissing my forehead, said--'Don't be frightened, Maud; I venture to say it is a mare's nest; at all events, my child, we will take care that no danger reaches you; come, child.' And by the hand he led me to the study.

When the door was shut, and we had reached the far end of the room next the window, I said, but in a low tone, and holding his arm fast-- 'Oh, sir, you don't know what a dreadful person we have living with us--Madame de la Rougierre, I mean.

Don't let her in if she comes; she would guess what I am telling you, and one way or another I am sure she would kill me.' 'Tut, tut, child.

You _must_ know that's nonsense,' he said, looking pale and stern.
'Oh no, papa.

I am horribly frightened, and Lady Knollys thinks so too.' 'Ha! I dare say; one fool makes many.