His confusion increased when steps of one barefoot were heard upon the stairs.

He threw anxious glances sometimes at the closet, sometimes at the window, and sometimes at the chamber door, yet he was detained by some inexplicable fascination.

He stood as if rooted to the spot.
As to me, my soul was bursting with detestation and revenge.

I had no room for surmises and fears respecting him that approached.

It was doubtless a human being, and would befriend me so far as to aid me in arresting this offender.
The stranger quickly entered the room.