As he stood before the fire, he heard a sort of scratching sound.

He turned pale, imagining it came from the portrait, that Camille was descending from his frame.

Then he discovered that the noise was at the small door opening on the staircase, and he looked at Therese who also showed signs of fear.
"There is someone on the staircase," he murmured.

"Who can be coming that way ?" The young woman gave no answer.

Both were thinking of the drowned man, and their temples became moist with icy perspiration.