Diana was afraid to exhibit too much interest in the doings of the
Harkaways, lest she should arouse suspicion.

So she simply nodded, and listened most anxiously to what the garrulous
old woman would say next.

"So very careless; anyone might get into their house by the side door,"
said the ancient dame.

"Well, it is their own fault if they are robbed."

"True. But it would be little credit to the robber; they think the
brigands are afraid to enter the town, so they don't take many
precautions."

Diana treasured up every word of this.

Presently the old woman, finding her guest was not conversationally
inclined, went out again, and Diana was left alone.

The sun set, and darkness began to gather rapidly when she went out,
and after going a little way down the street, returned, and sought the
side door of Harkaway's house.

She turned the handle softly and entered.

There was no one in the kitchen where she found herself, but the
subdued noise of knives and forks in another apartment convinced her
that they were at dinner or some other meal.