“Why, everyone!” said Martin impatiently. “There’s no secret about it nowadays! No one uses it, of course — ”
“That does not seem to be true.”
“Well, I mean in the general way! I had to see you!”
Miss Morville had trimmed the lamp, and its golden light grew stronger. Looking up, she now perceived that Martin was looking haggard, and unusually white. She made no comment, but picked up one of the spare pillows, and carried it to the bed. “Let me put this behind you, my lord,” she said. “It will be better for you not to support yourself on your elbow.”
He thanked her, and leaned back, with a sigh of relief. She glanced at Martin, and said composedly: “Your brother is still weak, and should not be talking at this hour. Pray do not prolong your visit!”
“I’ve no wish to do him any harm — though I daresay you won’t believe that!”
She did not answer, but sat down beside the fire. He scowled at her, but she returned his look with one of her wide, direct stares. Flushing, he turned from her to his half-brother.
“Tell me!” said the Earl. “Why do you choose to enter my room by a secret stair rather than by the door?”
“Choose! They will not let me come near you!”
“Who will not let you?”