“Never mind,” he said, “we will go on with our study of the cabinet. They will soon find out that we are left behind, and come back to look for us.”
“Yes, but only fancy being found here!”
She laughed; but the laugh did not succeed. It could not hide a real embarrassment. She pondered, and seemed irresolute. Then with the words—“They will say we stayed behind on purpose,” she moved her hand to the door, but again withdrew it, and stood irresolute.
“Let us put out the light.” said Hugh laughing, “and make no answer.”
“Can you starve well?”
“With you.”
She murmured something to herself; then said aloud and hastily, as if she had made up her mind by the compulsion of circumstances:
“But this won’t do. They are still looking at the portrait, I daresay. Come.”
So saying, she went into another recess, and, lifting a curtain of tapestry, opened a door.
“Come quick,” she said.