My dearest Helga, sleepless and watchful in the interest of her mistress, was even now behind the shutter, listening with all her ears and peering through the chinks.
No sooner did Rudolf's footsteps become audible than she cautiously unfastened the shutter, opened the window, put her pretty head out, and called softly: "All's safe! Come in!" The mischief was done then, for the faces of Helsing's wife and daughter, ay, and the faces of Helsing's servants, were intent on this most strange spectacle.

Rudolf, turning his head over his shoulder, saw them; a moment later poor Helga saw them also.

Innocent and untrained in controlling her feelings, she gave a shrill little cry of dismay, and hastily drew back.

Rudolf looked round again.

The ladies had retreated to the cover of the porch, but he still saw their eager faces peering from between the pillars that supported it.
"I may as well go in now," said Rudolf, and in he sprang.