I forgot all about him." She set down Simon Cameron, who was drowsing in her lap, and got to her feet.

As she did so, a light step sounded in the hallway, outside.

Gavin jumped up and hurried past her.
He was just in time to see Rodney Hade cross the last yard or so of the hallway, and unlock and open the front door.
The man had evidently entered the house from above, though all the shutters were still barred and the door from the cupola had later been locked.

Remembering the flimsy lock on that door, Gavin realized how Hade could have made an entrance.
But why Hade was now stealing to the front door and opening it, was more than his puzzled brain could grasp.

All this flashed through Brice's mind, as he caught sight of his enemy, and at the same time he was aware that Hade was no longer clad in rags, but wore a natty white yachting suit.
Before these impressions had had full time to register themselves on Gavin's brain, he was in motion.