into the crypt to-day!'

'Why not?' The lips that spoke were pouted mutinously and the face
was flushed. The imperious little lady was not at all satisfied to
give up the cherished project. For a whole day and night she had,
whilst waking, thought of the coming adventure; the thrill of it was
not now to be turned to cold disappointment without even an
explanation. She did not think that Harold was afraid; that would be
ridiculous. But she wondered; and mysteries always annoyed her. She
did not like to be at fault, more especially when other people knew.
All the pride in her revolted.

'Why not?' she repeated more imperiously still.

Harold said kindly:

'Because, Stephen, there is really a good reason. Don't ask me, for
I can't tell you. You must take it from me that I am right. You
know, dear, that I wouldn't willingly disappoint you; and I know that
you had set your heart on this. But indeed, indeed I have a good
reason.'

Stephen was really angry now. She was amenable to reason, though she
did not consciously know what reason was; but to accept some one
else's reason blindfold was repugnant to her nature, even at her then
age. She was about to speak angrily, but looking up she saw that
Harold's mouth was set with marble firmness. So, after her manner,
she acquiesced in the inevitable and said:

'All right! Harold.'