She strove to regain some command over her routed faculties.
Matilda waited.
Presently Mrs.De Peyster's eyes opened.

"It would be some relief"-- weak hope was in her voice--"if only I could manage to get down into my own suite." "But, ma'am, with that Mr.Pyecroft--" "He's a risk we've got to run," Mrs.De Peyster cried desperately.
"We've somehow got to manage to get me there without his knowing it." Suddenly she sat up.

The hope that a moment before had shone faintly in her face began to become a more confident glow.

Matilda saw that her mistress was thinking; therefore she remained silent, expectant.
"Matilda, I think there's a chance!" Mrs.De Peyster exclaimed after a moment.

"I'll get into my suite--I'll live there quiet as death.