But this seemed more grim, more determined, and I did not like it .-- However, I reflected that it was none of my business.

I tried to think about my letter.
The struggle ended with a particularly heavy thud that shook our ancient house to its foundations.

I sat listening, somehow very much depressed.
There was no sound.

It was not entirely dark outside--the long twilight--and the frugal Walters had not lighted the hall lamps.
Somebody was coming down the stairs very quietly--but their creaking betrayed him.

I waited for him to pass through the shaft of light that poured from the door open at my back.