"Well, you and I must be calm. You know the plan decided upon; if it ever came to this. I may not go; I must stay and face it. Make you haste! And—Hill! lock the outer door of the east wing on the outside; Mrs. Chandos must not see these men."
Hill did not stay to listen. She appeared to take in all, and was flying up the stairs, breathless and panting. There came another ring, another noise as with the sabres: and Robin, one of the under men, who was coming across the hall, increased his speed. Mr. Chandos arrested him.
"Robin, desire Hickens to attend himself. I wish it."
The man turned back, and Mr. Chandos stood for a moment against the wall, his hands on his pale face.
"Mr. Chandos!" I said, in emotion great as his, "why are you afraid? what dreadful thing is it! Confide in me! tell me!"
"That you may run from me, as the rest will do! You have said the word, Anne—dreadful. That is it."
Hickens was advancing to the hall. Mr. Chandos went out to him; I looked from the parlour-door.
"Hickens," said Mr. Chandos, speaking with apparent carelessness, "these may be the police at the door. If so, they may enter."
"Them police again, sir!" returned Hickens, in consternation. "Weren't they satisfied with their last visit? Whatever can they want at this hour?"
"That's my business," replied Mr. Chandos. And Hickens turned to the entrance.