She heard a click like the closing of a pocket-knife, then Westenhanger’s voice in a low tone near her ear.
“I’ve just shut the door of the cabinet. Now let me lead you over to it.”
He guided her carefully for a step or two.
“Now,” he continued in the same low tone, “you’re standing right in front of the centre of the cabinet. If you lift your hand you can open the door. Try it.”
Obediently Eileen put out her hand, groped and caught the handle and, after turning it, opened the door.
“Now,” said Westenhanger again, “suppose you try to reach the place where the Talisman was. Wait! You might knock over the bell, being blindfolded. Don’t move an inch after I say Stop! . . . Stop!”
She brought her hand to rest immediately.
“Now, bring your hand back to your side and then take a step backwards. I’ll see you don’t trip.”
As she stood, after completing the movement, she heard another slight click.
“That’s all, Miss Cressage. Now I’ll take the scarf off.”