This exactly suited Mimi.

She took accurate note of the wicket and its fastening before the glare had died away.

She took her revolver out and fired into the lock, which was shivered on the instant, the pieces flying round in all directions, but happily without causing hurt to anyone.

Then she pushed the wicket open and ran down the narrow stair, and so to the hall door.

Opening this also, she ran down the avenue, never lessening her speed till she stood outside the door of Lesser Hill.