"I'm afraid I did--and, being in, I blurted out some nonsense about being in search of music lessons, and generally misbehaved myself all round. As a climax, just as I was about to put an end to my intrusion, I saw Ballingall staring at me through the window. I would not have encountered him then for all the hidden hoards the world contains. I entreated Miss Brodie--to permit me to make my escape through the back door--and she did." "Yes, and insulted you as you went." Graham rose from his seat. "You behaved to me, Miss Brodie, infinitely better than I deserved. You would have been perfectly justified in summoning a policeman, and giving me into charge. I can only thank you for your forbearance. I assure you of my most extreme penitence. And while I cannot expect that you will forgive me at once----" "But I do forgive you." Madge had also risen. "Miss Brodie." "Of course I do. And I did behave badly--like a wretch. But why didn't you explain?" "You saw what, at the moment, was my capacity to explain, and now you perceive how extremely complicated the explanation would have had to be." "But to think," cried Ella, "that we should be in the very centre of a mystery." Jack struck in. "Exactly--living in the very heart of it; surrounded by it on every side; having it staring you in the face whichever way you turn. What did I tell you? Isn't it blood-curdling? Like the man says in the song--you really never do know where you are." Ella glanced at Madge. "The burglary last night--do you think?" "Of course it was." "Ballingall?" "Without a doubt." "But, my dear, how can you be so sure?" "He was hanging about all day--he tried again last night; it's as plain as it possibly can be." Jack, puzzled, had been looking from one to the other. "Perhaps you will tell us what is as plain as it possibly can be." Ella turned to him. "There was another burglary last night." "Where?" "Here--in the very middle of the night." "Upon my honour!--this appears to be--Graham, this really does appear to be a pleasant house to live in. The delights of the country, with the horrors of town thrown in.--Did you catch the ruffian?" "Madge heard him first." "Oh--Madge heard him first?" "Yes, and then she came and told me----" "Where was he all the time?" "Wait a bit, and I'll tell you. Then we both of us heard him--then Madge fired----" "Fired?--what?" "Your revolver." "Gracious!--did she hit him?" "She never saw him." "Never saw him! Then what did she fire at?" "Well----" Ella stopped, as if somewhat at a loss. So Madge went on. "I fired to let him know he was discovered. I believe the bullet lodged in the roof." "Heavens! what a target." "He took the hint, and did not wait to be made a target of himself." "Then didn't you see him at all?" "Through the window, as he was running down the road." "Did you give the alarm?" "We were in our night-dresses." "Why, he might have murdered the two of you if he had liked."