Ill as I was, I got up and found my father in that room which adjoined his
bedchamber. He perceived, I am sure, by my looks, that something unusual
had happened. 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. We all know what Monica thinks.'

'But I _saw_ it, papa. She stole your key last night, and opened your desk,
and read all your papers.'