But it did not.

She thought she heard the shuffle of feet and husky whispers in the garden path underneath, but she could not be sure of that.

What were they doing?
Why were they so silent?
"Suppose they got in through the window ?" she whispered to herself.

Her soul died within her at that thought.

She tried to assure herself that the windows were locked, but her staring eyes peopled the invisible staircase with creeping figures.