I even convinced myself that it was all a fantasy.

I was so certain of it that I stole out into the hall, and peered down the back stairs.

I was frightened, so frightened I shook from head to foot, but it was because my nerves were all unstrung.

I was sure by this time there had been no one there, and forced myself to investigate.

I saw nothing, heard nothing, and step by step advanced clear to the back window, and looked out.