Violet, after thinking her condition over for a while, resolved not to make any disturbance to attract the attention of the servants.
She reasoned that Sarah, the second girl, would bring her some luncheon at noon, and she determined to seize that opportunity to effect her release; just how that was to be accomplished she did not know, but get out and go to the city she must before two o'clock.
She dressed herself for the street, all save her hat and wrap, and then began to plan ways and means.
Suddenly her face lighted, and going into her dressing-room, she surveyed the large mirror which was suspended above the marble bowl.
Taking a penknife from her pocket, she deliberately severed the heavy cord by which it was held in place, and then exerting all her strength, she let it carefully down until the bottom of the frame rested upon the marble, while the top leaned against the wall.
Having accomplished this and assured herself that the glass was perfectly safe, she went quietly back to her reading and managed to amuse herself until the clock struck twelve.
Shortly afterward she heard a step on the stairs, accompanied by the rattle of dishes, and knew that Sarah was bringing her up some luncheon.
Darting into her dressing-room, Violet seized the mirror, drew it to the very edge of the marble and assuming a strained position, she had the appearance of having caught the glass just as it was falling and in time to save it from being dashed in pieces.
Sarah unlocked the chamber-door, and finding no one there, called out:
"Miss Violet, where are you?"