He heard no shot; but it was hardly possible he would, as the pantry and kitchens were at the very back of the house and there were several closed doors and a long passage between.

The housekeeper had come out of her room, attracted by the violent ringing of the bell.
They had gone to the front of the house together.
As they reached the bottom of the stairs he had seen Mrs.Douglas coming down it.

No, she was not hurrying; it did not seem to him that she was particularly agitated.

Just as she reached the bottom of the stair Mr.
Barker had rushed out of the study.

He had stopped Mrs.Douglas and begged her to go back.
"For God's sake, go back to your room!" he cried.