Softly and quietly she went down stairs. The lights flashed out through the door of the dining-room into the hall; and as she arrived at the foot of the stairs she heard subdued voices in conversation. Her heart beat faster. They were all there! What if they now discovered her! What mercy would they show her, even if they were capable of mercy? Fear lent wings to her feet. She was almost afraid to breathe for fear that they might hear her. She stole on quietly and noiselessly up the passage that led to the north end, and at last reached it. All was dark there. At this end there was a door. On each side was a kind of recess formed by the pillars of the doorway. The door was generally used by the servants, and also by the inmates of the house for convenience. The key was in it. There was no light in the immediate vicinity. Around it all was gloom. Near by was a stairway, which led to the servants’ hall. She took the key in her hands, which trembled violently with excitement, and turned it in the lock. Scarcely had she done so when she heard footsteps and voices behind her. She looked hastily back, and, to her horror, saw two servants approaching with a lamp. It was impossible for her now to open the door and go out. Concealment was her only plan. But how? There was no time for hesitation. Without stopping to think she slipped into one of the niches formed by the projecting pillars, and gathered her skirts close about her so as to be as little conspicuous as possible. There she stood awaiting the result. She half wished that she had turned back. For if she were now discovered in evident concealment what excuse could she give? She could not hope to bribe them, for she had no money. And, what was worst, these servants were the two who had been the most insolent to her from the first. She could do nothing, therefore, but wait. They came nearer, and at last reached the door. “Hallo!” said one, as he turned the key. “It’s been unlocked!” “It hain’t been locked yet,” said the other. “Yes, it has. I locked it myself an hour ago. Who could have been here?” “Any one,” said the other, quietly. “Our blessed young master has, no doubt, been out this way.” “No, he hasn’t. He hasn’t stirred from his whisky since eight o’clock.” “Nonsense! You’re making a fuss about nothing. Lock the door and come along.” “Any how, I’m responsible, and I’ll get a precious overhauling if this thing goes on. I’ll take the key with me this time.” And saying this, the man locked the door and took out the key. Both of them then descended to the servants’ hall. The noise of that key as it grated in the lock sent a thrill through the heart of the trembling listener. It seemed to take all hope from her. The servants departed. She had not been discovered. But what was to be done? She had not been prepared for this.