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192
THE LODGER
had to go. I wouldn’t like the house left—not with us out of it. Mr. Sleuth would be upset if there came a ring at the door."
"Oh, I won’t leave the house, don’t you be afraid, Ellen—not while you’re out."
"Not even if I’m out a good while, Bunting."
"No fear. Of course, you’ll be a long time if it’s your idea to see that doctor at Ealing?"
He looked at her questioningly, and Mrs. Bunting nodded. Somehow nodding didn’t seem as bad as speaking a lie.