Since they believe the suite empty, since they know it is locked, they may never suspect any one is in it.

Matilda, it's the only way!" "Yes--but, ma'am, how am I to explain your sudden disappearance ?" "Say that your sister became homesick," said Mrs.De Peyster with mounting hope, "and decided suddenly, in the middle of the night, to return at once to her home in Syracuse." "That may satisfy all but Mr.Pyecroft, ma'am.

But Mr.Pyecroft won't believe it." "Mr.Pyecroft will have to believe whatever he likes.

It's the only way, and we're going to do it.

And do it at once! Matilda, go down and see if they're all asleep yet, particularly Mr.Pyecroft." Matilda took off her shoes and in her stocking-feet went scouting forth; and stocking-footed presently returned, with the news that all seemed asleep, particularly Mr.Pyecroft.
Five minutes later, in Matilda's dress, and likewise in stocking-feet, Mrs.De Peyster stepped out of her second maid's room.