Now when she looked at me I returned the look with interest.

I strode through the doorway and across the hall.

The butler would have opened the outer door for me, but I opened it myself to the imminent danger of his dignified nose.

As I stepped from the portico I heard behind me a roar from Big Jim Colton and a shout of laughter from Victor.
I walked home at top speed.

Only once did I look back.