ought to have said Mademoiselle Malvina."

Mrs. Muldoon regained her feet, and without answering walked
straight into the study.

"They want to know," said Mrs. Muldoon, "if the Fairy's in." The
Professor, with his back to the window, was reading. The light in
the room was somewhat faint.

"Who wants to know?" demanded the Professor.

"The twins from the Manor House," explained Mrs. Muldoon.

"But what?--but who?" began the Professor.

"Shall I say 'not at home'?" suggested Mrs. Muldoon. "Or hadn't you
better see them yourself."

"Show them in," directed the Professor.

They came in, looking a little scared and still holding one another
by the hand. They wished the Professor good evening, and when he
rose they backed away from him. The Professor shook hands with
them, but they did not let go, so that Victoria gave him her right
hand and Victor his left, and then at the Professor's invitation
they sat themselves down on the extreme edge of the sofa.

"I hope we do not disturb you," said Victor. "We wanted to see
Mademoiselle Malvina."