I feel as if the evil one were in the house.'
A stern, momentary frown was my father's only answer, as he looked fixedly
at her.
'People need not nail up horseshoes and mark their door-stones with charms
to keep the evil spirit out,' ran on Lady Knollys, who looked pale and
angry, in her way, 'but you open your door in the dark and invoke unknown
danger. How can you look at that child that's--she's _not_ playing,' said
Knollys, abruptly stopping.
My father rose, muttering to himself, and cast a lurid glance at me, as he
went in high displeasure to the door. Cousin Monica, now flushed a little,
glanced also silently at me, biting the tip of her slender gold cross, and
doubtful how much I had heard.
My father opened the door suddenly, which he had just closed, and looking
in, said, in a calmer tone--
'Perhaps, Monica, you would come for a moment to the study; I'm sure you
have none but kindly feelings towards me and little Maud, there; and
I thank you for your good-will; but you must see other things more
reasonably, and I think you will.'
Cousin Monica got up silently and followed him, only throwing up her eyes
and hands as she did so, and I was left alone, wondering and curious more
than ever.
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