Below, a slender lattice or ladder had been erected to the height of one story, to give the ivy its support.

A strong and active person might by mere possibility reach this frail support if the ivy itself proved strong enough to hold under the strain.

She clutched at it desperately.

It seemed to her that although the smaller tendrils loosened, the greater arms held firm.
She stepped back into the room, listened, straining all her soul in a demand for certitude.

As yet she had only dreaded to hear a sound, had not indeed done so.