2/31 "What can we do ?" A sharp blow fell upon the lock of the door. He stood still, looking over his shoulder. "Get them! Conceal them, at least! Do the best you can since we have not the means to burn them." A second blow was struck, succeeded instantly by a third, and something was heard to snap. The door swung open, and Green and Rotherby sprang into the room, a brace of footmen at their heels. They were followed more leisurely by the countess; whilst a little flock of servants brought up the rear, but checked upon the threshold, and hung there to witness events that held out such promise of being unusual. |