Whatever its origin, it startled her to greater haste.

She fumbled at the door and pulled it open.
A gust of wind and rain blew in upon her, but she was scarcely aware of it.

In another moment she had softly closed the door again and was scudding across the terrace to the steps that led towards the river path.
As she reached it a light shone out in front of her, wavered, and was gone.
"This way to freedom, lady mine," said Brandon's voice close to her, and she heard in it the laugh he did not utter.

"Mind you don't tumble in." His hand touched her arm, closed upon it, drew her to his side.

In another instant it encircled her, but she pushed him vehemently away.
"Let us go!" she said feverishly.