She found Mrs. Lengholm in the kitchen, and making no attempt to conceal the poker which she carried, came straight to the point.

“I want the key of the wall gate,” she said resolutely.

Sophie abandoned the table on which she was kneading dough, and brushed her fingers calmly.

“Why are you carrying that thing?” she asked imperturbably and nodded her head towards the poker which the girl was clutching with tightened fingers.

“You will let me out of this place,” declared Penelope. “I don’t want to hurt you, Mrs. Lengholm, but if you make me use force⁠—” She moved a step towards the other woman.