“Very well. And you don’t think — you don’t believe that — ”

“Forgive me! I am too tired to discuss this matter further tonight.”

“Then I’ll say good-night!” Martin said stiffly. “I beg your pardon for disturbing you!”

Gervase did not answer. Miss Morville waited until Martin had left the room before she said: “I hope, my lord, that you mean Chard to lock that door immediately!”

“Why, yes!”

“I trust I am not one to refine too much upon trifles, but I do not like the notion of having a secret stair leading to your room!”

“Nor I,” he said, regarding her in some amusement.

“To own the truth,” she confessed, “my blood ran cold when I saw that panel begin to slide open!”

“Indeed, I was afraid that you would call Turvey in, which I particularly did not wish.”

“No, I had made up my mind not to do that before you grasped my wrist. While I was present you were safe, I knew.”