She accordingly went with a light and stealthy pace to the door; and as she knew that its fair occupant always slept with a night-light in her chamber, she put her pretty eye to the keyhole, in order to satisfy herself on this point.

All, however, so far as both sight and hearing could inform her, was both dark and silent.
This was odd; nay, not only odd, but unusual.

She now felt her heart palpitate; she was excited, alarmed.

What was to be done?
She would take a bold step--she would knock--she would whisper through the key-hole, and set down the interruption to anxiety to mention Mrs.Morgan's sudden and violent illness.

Well, all these remedies for curiosity were tried, all these, steps taken, and, to a certain extent, they were successful; for there could indeed be little doubt that Miss Gourlay and her maid were not in the apartment.