But I am glad that thou dost see as I do, my brother.

It is sweet to find accord in those we love.

And now I must be gone; I dare not linger longer.
Heaven bless and keep thee ever! I shall carry my daily load more lightly for this happy hour spent together." Cuthbert kissed her many times before he let her go, reminded her again of the place where he himself might be found, and then walked slowly with her towards the old Gate House, only letting her go when she desired it, and watching her glide towards the little door with a sense of sinking at heart which he could hardly explain.
As for Petronella, she stole within the door, which she bolted behind her, as she had found it, and felt her way up the narrow winding stairs that led to the ground floor of the house.

The postern door was below that level, and had a little stair of its own leading to the house, from which it was again shut off by another door at the top.

When Petronella had stolen out to meet Cuthbert, she had left this door open, so as to avoid all needless noise; but when she reached the head of the stairs she found it closed, and her heart gave a sudden throb of dismay as she stood quite still listening and wondering.
Surely she had left it open?
her memory had not deceived her! No; she remembered debating the matter with herself and deciding to do so.