The possibility that his return was prompted by intentions consistent with my safety, found no place in my mind.

Images of violation and murder assailed me anew, and the terrors which succeeded almost incapacitated me from taking any measures for my defence.

It was an impulse of which I was scarcely conscious, that made me fasten the lock and draw the bolts of my chamber door.

Having done this, I threw myself on a seat; for I trembled to a degree which disabled me from standing, and my soul was so perfectly absorbed in the act of listening, that almost the vital motions were stopped.
The door below creaked on its hinges.

It was not again thrust to, but appeared to remain open.