Instantly Don John was on the other side, calling to her softly.
"What is it ?" he asked.

"For Heaven's sake do not come in, for I think I hear him coming." "No," she answered through the panel.

"I was afraid I should turn the key, so I have taken it out." She paused.

"I love you!" she said, so that he could hear, and she kissed the wood, where she thought his face must be, just above her own.
"I love you with all my heart!" he answered gently.

"Hush, dear love, he is coming!" They were like two children, playing at a game; but they were playing on the very verge of tragedy, playing at life with death at the door and the safety of a great nation hanging in the balance.
A moment later, Dolores heard Don John opening and shutting the other doors again, and then there were voices.