She had already raised herself from her seat, and was on the point of taking the Lamp from the Table.

The imaginary noise stopped her: She drew back her hand, and supported herself upon the back of a Chair.
She listened anxiously, but nothing more was heard.
'Gracious God!' She said to herself; 'What could be that sound?
Was I deceived, or did I really hear it ?' Her reflections were interrupted by a noise at the door scarcely audible: It seemed as if somebody was whispering.

Antonia's alarm increased: Yet the Bolt She knew to be fastened, and this idea in some degree reassured her.

Presently the Latch was lifted up softly, and the Door moved with caution backwards and forwards.

Excess of terror now supplied Antonia with that strength, of which She had till then been deprived.