She was terrified at the promise that she had given in a weak moment, and would have given worlds had she been able to retract.
There was yet, however, one means of safety left her--she could hurry downstairs and secure the garden gate.

She started to her feet, determined to execute her project; but she was too late for the appointed signal was heard through the chill gloom of the night.

Unhappy woman! The light sound of George de Croisenois' palms striking one upon the other resounded in her ears like the dismal tolling of the funereal bell.

She stooped to light a candle at the fire, but her hand trembled so that she could scarcely effect her object.

She felt sure that George was still in the garden, though she had made no answer to his signal.
She had never thought that he would have had the audacity to open a door that led into the house from the garden, but this is what he had done.
In the most innocent manner imaginable, and so that her listener in no way suspected the special reason that she had for making this communication, Diana de Mussidan had informed George de Croisenois that upon this night all the domestics of the Champdoce household would be attending the coachman's wedding, and that consequently the mansion would be deserted.