But the spur of the moment was seldom indeed so sharp with Dorothy as to drive her to act without reflection, and a moment showed her that such persons being in the marquis's household as would meet in the middle of the night, and on prohibited ground, apparently for the sake of avoiding discovery, and even then talked in whispers, he had a right to know who they were: to act from her own feelings merely would be to fail in loyalty to the head of the house.

Who could tell what might not be involved in it?
For was it not thus that conspiracy and treason walked?
And any alarm given them now might destroy every chance of their discovery.

She compelled herself therefore to absolute stillness, immeasurably wretched, with but one comfort--no small one, however, although negative--that their words continued inaudible, a fact which doubtless saved much dispute betwixt her propriety and her loyalty.
Long time their talk lasted.

Every now and then they would start and listen--so Dorothy interpreted sudden silence and broken renewals.

The genius of the place, although braved, had yet his terrors.