She stood for an instant irresolute, then she stole out of her room and down the spiral stair very noiselessly.

She opened the front door before Horace could insert his key in the latch.
Horace started back.
"Hush," whispered Rose.

She stifled a laugh.

"Step back out in the yard just a minute," she whispered.
Horace obeyed.

He stepped softly back, and Rose joined him after she had closed the door with great care.
"Now come down as far as the gate, out of the shadows," whispered Rose.