Who calls?
is it you, Catharine?
I stopped and presently received an answer.

"Yes, it is I; go not up; return instantly; you are wanted at the house." Still the voice was Catharine's, and still it proceeded from the foot of the stairs.
"What could I do?
The warning was mysterious.

To be uttered by Catharine at a place, and on an occasion like these, enhanced the mystery.

I could do nothing but obey.

Accordingly, I trod back my steps, expecting that she waited for me at the bottom of the hill.