Outside the house came the sound of a pistol shot, the glass of the window was shattered with a bullet, which ricochetting from the top of the embrasure, struck the far wall of the room.

I am afraid I am at heart a coward, for I shrieked out.

The men all jumped to their feet, Lord Godalming flew over to the window and threw up the sash.

As he did so we heard Mr.Morris' voice without, "Sorry! I fear I have alarmed you.

I shall come in and tell you about it." A minute later he came in and said, "It was an idiotic thing of me to do, and I ask your pardon, Mrs.Harker, most sincerely, I fear I must have frightened you terribly.