"But circumstances have arisen changing the original plans.

Will you kindly accompany me ?" "But where, Peter?
I don't wish to be seen by these new arrivals." "Have no fear, sir," condescendingly, and with an authoritative wave of the hand.

"The officers are at table, and will know nothing of our movements." I followed meekly enough, and he led the way up the broad stairs to the second story, turning to the left in the upper hall, and coming to a pause before a partially opened door.

A glimpse within made me deem it a music room, although I could see merely along one wall.
"You will enter, sir, while I return to the guests below." With one glance into his perfectly expressionless countenance, half suspicious of some new trick, I stepped across the threshold.

The curtains were drawn, and the room seemed dark after the sun-glare of the hall.