She wanted to get out of the room but she dared not, for she was sure that her careful steps would, despite herself, change into a run.

She sat down, meaning to read for a few moments, compose herself and then go.

But no sooner had she taken her seat than her terror increased tenfold, for Ballantyne rose swiftly from his chair and walking in a circle round the room with an extraordinarily light and noiseless step disappeared behind her.

Then he sat down.

Mrs.
Repton heard the slight grating of the legs of a chair upon the floor.