Tim was the first to go to the door, and he opened it with a shaking hand.
In order to reach the servants’ hall, they had to traverse several long dark galleries, and descend the main staircase.
Tim wanted his fellow servants to look upon him as a very bold youth, but he took great care not to be the first to go out into the dark gallery.
In this way, also, the chief footman thought, but didn’t like to say so.
“Why don’t you go on?” said he to Tim.
“Why don’t you?”
“You were the first at the door.”
“Suppose I was, that don’t matter.”
“You’re afraid?”
“No I ain’t.”