Then she sought for the key.

She had been told where it was, but did not remember.
Slipping her hand under the railing, close to the wall, she felt a string, and, pulling at it suddenly, found the key in her hand.

She glided into the dim hall, feeling along the wall for a door, until she found it.

With trembling fingers she inserted the key in the lock, and the door swung inward silently.

Bessy went in, leaving the key on the outside.
Dark as it had been without, it was light compared to the ebon blackness within.