Filled with apprehension that she would meet Lord Donal coming up, she had difficulty in timing her footsteps to the slow measure that was necessary.

She reached the bottom of the stair in safety and unimpeded, but once on the main floor a new problem presented itself.

Nothing would attract more attention than a young and beautiful lady walking the long distance between the gallery end of the room and the entrance stairway entirely alone and unattended.

She stood there hesitating, wondering whether she could venture on finding a quiet side-exit, which she was sure must exist in this large house, when, to her dismay, she found Lord Donal again at her side, rather breathless, as if he had been hurrying in search of her.

His brows were knit and there was an anxious expression on his face.
"I must have a word with you alone," he whispered.