To avoid the observations of passers-by (for the interior of the room is easy to see from the street), the blind had been drawn down, and the room was in deep shadow.

They had heard the wheels, but neither of them dreamt that the visitor could be the queen.

It was an utter surprise to them when, without their orders, the door was suddenly flung open.

The chancellor, slow of movement, and not, if I may say it, over-quick of brain, sat in his corner for half a minute or more before he rose to his feet.

On the other hand, Rudolf Rassendyll was the best part of the way across the room in an instant.