"Nicholas!" said Margaret again. "It is only us. Won't you let us come in?"
"No," said he. "I spoke as plain as I could, 'bout using words, when I bolted th' door. Let me be, this day."
Mr. Hale would have urged their desire, but Margaret placed her finger on his lips.

'Nicholas! It is only us. Won't you let us in?'
'No,' said he. 'Let me be, this day.'
Mr. Hale would have protested, but Margaret placed her finger on his lips.
