"Yes," said Cleopatra. "Antony expects me. Will you go with me? I will make you one of my maids of honor."
"Do you think we can get out?" asked Mrs. Kenyon dubiously. "The outer door is locked."
"I know where to find the key. Time presses. Will you go?"
Believing in the death of her son, Mrs. Kenyon had supposed herself indifferent to liberty, but now that the hope of escape was presented a wild desire to throw off the shackles of confinement came to her. What her future life might be she did not care to ask; but once to breathe the free air, a free woman, excited and exhilarated her.
"Yes; I will go," she said quickly. "Come!"
The two women dressed themselves hurriedly, softly they opened the door of their room, went downstairs, and from under the mat in the unlighted hall Cleopatra stooped down and drew out the key of the outer door.
"See!" she said exultantly.
"Quick! Open the door!" exclaimed Mrs. Kenyon nervously.
The key turned in the lock with a grating sound which she feared might lead to discovery, but fortunately it did not. A moment and they stood on the outside of their prison-house.
Now Mrs. Kenyon assumed the lead.