There was only one question, but that was hard to answer: what were they to do next?
Amanda could contribute nothing towards its solution, for tears and reproaches resolve no enigmas.

There were many ways of issue, whereof Rowland knew several; but their watery trail, if soon enough followed, would be their ruin as certainly as Hop-o'-my-Thumb's pebbles were safety to himself and his brothers.

He stood therefore the very bond slave of perplexity, 'and, like a neutral to his will and matter, did nothing.' Presently they heard the approaching step of the marquis, which every one in the castle knew.

It stopped within a few feet of them, and through the thick door they could hear his short asthmatic breathing.
They kept as still as their trembling, and the mad beating of their hearts, would permit.

Amanda was nearly out of her senses, and thought her heart was beating against the door, and not against her own ribs.
But the marquis never thought of the chapel, having at once concluded that they had fled through the open hall.