She stood for some time in despair. She thought of other ways of escape. There was the hall-door, which she did not dare to try, for she would have to pass directly in front of the dining-room. Then there was the south door at the other end of the building, which was seldom used. She knew of no others. She determined to try the south door. Quietly and swiftly she stole away, and glided, like a ghost, along the entire length of the building. It was quite dark at the south end as it had been at the north. She reached the door without accident. There was no key in it. It was locked. Escape by that way was impossible. She stood despairing. Only one way was now left, and that lay through the hall-door itself. Suddenly, as she stood there, she heard footsteps. A figure came down the long hall straight toward her. There was not the slightest chance of concealment here. There were no pillars behind which she might crouch. She must stand, then, and take the consequences. Or, rather, would it not be better to walk forward and meet this new-comer? Yes; that would be best. She determined to do so. So, with a quiet, slow step she walked back through the long corridor. About half-way she met the other. He stopped and started back. “Miss Potts!” he exclaimed, in surprise. It was the voice of Philips. “Ah, Philips,” said she, quietly, “I am walking about for exercise and amusement. I can not sleep. Don’t be startled. It’s only me.” Philips stood like one paralyzed. “Don’t be cast down,” he said at last, in a trembling voice. “You have friends, powerful friends. They will save you.” “What do you mean?” asked Beatrice, in wonder. “Never mind,” said Philips, mysteriously. “It will be all right. I dare not tell. But cheer up.” “What do you mean by friends?” “You have friends who are more powerful than your enemies, that’s all,” said Philips, hurriedly. “Cheer up.” Beatrice wondered. A vague thought of Brandon came over her mind, but she dismissed it at once. Yet the thought gave her a delicious joy, and at once dispelled the extreme agitation which had thus far disturbed her. Could Philips be connected with _him_? Was he in reality considerate about her while shaping the course of his gloomy vengeance? These were the thoughts which flashed across her mind as she stood. “I don’t understand,” said she, at last; “but I hope it may be as you say. God knows, I need friends!” She walked away, and Philips also went onward. She walked slowly, until at last his steps died out in the distance. Then a door banged. Evidently she had nothing to fear from him. At last she reached the main hall, and stopped for a moment. The lights from the dining-room were still flashing out through the door. The grand entrance lay before her. There was the door of the hall, the only way of escape that now remained. Dare she try it?