With the advent of the hot weather she had been moved to a room on the eastern side of the villa, in one of two small wings jutting out from the facade.

She had locked her door, but the side window of her room, which overlooked the balcony towards the lake, was open, and slight sounds came from the balcony.

Springing up she crept softly towards the window.

The wooden shutters had been drawn forward, but both they and the casements were ajar.
Through the chink she saw a strange sight.

On the step leading from the house to the terrace of the balcony sat Alice Manisty.