Mrs.Packard had been placed in my charge and, if all was not right with her, it was my business to know it.
Accordingly I sat and watched each movement of my mysterious charge as it was outlined on the telltale wall before me, and saw enough in one half-hour to convince me that something very vigorous and purposeful was going on in the room so determinedly closed against every one, even her own husband.
What?
The moving silhouette of her figure, which was all that I could see, was not perfect enough in detail for me to determine.

She was busy at some occupation which took her from one end of the room to the other; but after watching her shadow for an hour I was no surer than at first as to what that occupation was.

It was a serious one, I saw, and now and then the movements I watched gave evidence of frantic haste, but their character stood unrevealed till suddenly the thought came: "She is rummaging bureau-drawers and emptying boxes,--in other words, packing a bag or trunk." Should I be witness to a flight?
I thought it very likely, especially when I heard the faint sound of a door opening below, followed by the swish of silken skirts.

I recalled Mayor Packard's fears and began to suspect that they were not groundless.
This called for action, and I was about to open my door and rush out when I was deterred by the surprising discovery that the steps I heard were coming up rather than going down, and that in another moment she would be in the hall outside, possibly on her way to the nursery, possibly with the intention of coming to my own room.
Greatly taken aback, I stood with my ear to the door, listening intently.

Yes, she has reached the top of the stairs and is stopping no, she passes the nursery door, she is coming my way.