As I stood in the passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little slit of dim light which shone out from under the door.

A mad, unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr.Holmes.

My overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the skirt of my dress.

I rushed down the passage, through the door, and straight into the arms of Mr.Rucastle, who was waiting outside.
"'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then.

I thought that it must be when I saw the door open.' "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted.
"'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'-- you cannot think how caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened you, my dear young lady ?' "But his voice was just a little too coaxing.