Stephanie and her host made a slow progress through the hall and picture gallery.

For some time their conversation was engaged solely with the objects to which Dominey drew his companion's attention.

When they had passed out of possible hearing, however, of any of the other guests, Stephanie's fingers tightened upon her companion's arm.
"I wish to speak to you alone," she said, "without the possibility of any one overhearing." Dominey hesitated and looked behind.
"Your guests are well occupied," she continued a little impatiently, "and in any case I am one of them.

I claim your attention." Dominey threw open the door of the library and turned on a couple of the electric lights.

She made her way to the great open fireplace, on which a log was burning, looked down into the shadows of the room and back again at her host's face.
"For one moment," she begged, "turn on all the lights.