As he approached, Patsy became panic-stricken and, well knowing that she ought to run or hide, stood rooted to the spot, gazing half appealingly and half defiantly into the startled eyes of the man who suddenly confronted her.
So for a moment they stood motionless.

West was thinking rapidly.

By some error be had miscounted the picnic party and this girl had been left at home.

She had discovered his intrusion, had seen him at the cupboard, and would report the matter to John Merrick.

This being the case, it would do him no good to retreat without accomplishing his purpose.