"No; I keep the door of the gallery constantly locked; and he is not aware of the secret entrance to the library."
"Are you sure of that?"
"Quite sure, sir. I never heard him allude to it."
"He is frequently in the library, I understand?"
"Yes, he sits there for hours; but he generally keeps in his own room in the evening, and you might then come down with safety. Have you everything you require at present?"
"Everything. You have taken excellent care of me, Markland."
"I am sorry I can't do better. I'll return by-and-by to take away the things."
With this he departed, and Atherton soon made an end of his meal.
Time seemed to pass very slowly, but at length evening arrived, and the butler reappeared.
"You will find Miss Rawcliffe in the library," he said, "and need fear no interruption, for Father Jerome is with Mrs. Butler. I shall be on the watch, and will give timely notice should any danger arise."