And with a last glance at her face, which was far too white and drawn to please me, I hastened below.
The lights had not yet been put out in the halls, though I saw none in the drawing-room or library.

Indeed, I ran upon Nixon coming from the library, where he had evidently been attending to his final duties of fastening windows and extinguishing lights.

Alive to the advantage of this opportune meeting, I addressed him with as little aggressiveness as possible.
"Mrs.Packard has sent me down to see who laughed just now so loudly.
Was it you ?" Strong and unmistakable dislike showed in his eyes, but his voice was restrained and apparently respectful as he replied: "No, Miss.

I didn't laugh.

There was nothing to laugh at." "You heard the laugh?
It seemed to come from somewhere here.