All was dark there. At this end there was a door. On each side was a kind of recess formed by the pillars of the doorway. The door was generally used by the servants, and also by the inmates of the house for convenience.
The key was in it. There was no light in the immediate vicinity. Around it all was gloom. Near by was a stairway, which led to the servants’ hall.
She took the key in her hands, which trembled violently with excitement, and turned it in the lock.
Scarcely had she done so when she heard footsteps and voices behind her. She looked hastily back, and, to her horror, saw two servants approaching with a lamp. It was impossible for her now to open the door and go out. Concealment was her only plan.
But how? There was no time for hesitation. Without stopping to think she slipped into one of the niches formed by the projecting pillars, and gathered her skirts close about her so as to be as little conspicuous as possible. There she stood awaiting the result. She half wished that she had turned back. For if she were now discovered in evident concealment what excuse could she give? She could not hope to bribe them, for she had no money. And, what was worst, these servants were the two who had been the most insolent to her from the first.
She could do nothing, therefore, but wait. They came nearer, and at last reached the door.
“Hallo!” said one, as he turned the key. “It’s been unlocked!”
“It hain’t been locked yet,” said the other.
“Yes, it has. I locked it myself an hour ago. Who could have been here?”
“Any one,” said the other, quietly. “Our blessed young master has, no doubt, been out this way.”