There was only one long tablecloth in the sideboard drawer , and there were three holes in it , but we covered them with dishes and put a little potted palm in the middle for a centrepiece . At one o'clock dinner was ready for us and we for it . Very nice that table looked , too , as we sat down to it . Just as Alberta was about to spear the turkey with a fork and begin carving , that being one of her specialties , the kitchen door opened and somebody walked in . Before we could move , a big , handsome , bewhiskered man in a fur coat appeared in the dining-room doorway . I was n't frightened . He seemed quite respectable , I thought , and I supposed he was some intimate friend of Uncle Norman 's . I rose politely and said , `` Good day . '' You never saw such an expression of amazement as was on that poor man 's face . He looked from me to Alberta and from Alberta to Elizabeth and from Elizabeth to me again as if he doubted the evidence of his eyes . `` Mr. and Mrs. Norman Young are not at home , '' I explained , pitying him . `` They went to Streatham this morning because Mrs. Young 's sister is very ill . '' `` What does all this mean ? '' said the big man gruffly . `` This is n't Norman Young 's house ... it is mine . I 'm William Young . Who are you ? And what are you doing here ? '' I fell back into my chair , speechless . My very first impulse was to put up my hand and cover the gold watch .
Alberta had dropped the carving knife and was trying desperately XXXXX get the gold bracelet off under the table .
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