Another time I seemed to hear a calling from within, and sprang wildly to the door.

But it was only a hoot-owl.

And when the leaves tapped on the window above, I looked up expecting a face to appear there.

And when a horse in the stable whinnied, I imagined it the mocking laughter of a troop of traitors left behind to rob me of my trust.
At length I grew so restless and weary of waiting, that I determined to delay no longer, but enter the house.
As I stood a moment at the door, hesitating, the wind suddenly dropped, and there fell a silence on the place which made me shudder, and tempted me after all to await the dawn.

But, with a mighty effort, I gathered up my courage, and, laughing at my qualms, pushed the door.
It was not even shut to, so that, giving way unexpectedly under my hand, I stumbled heavily into the hall.