Before him lies the hall-door, and that way safety lies, safety from that old gaunt, irate figure upstairs.

He is not allowed to reach it, however--just yet.
A door on the right side of the hall is opened cautiously; a shapely little head is as cautiously pushed through it, and two anxious red lips whisper:-- "Mr.Curzon," first, and then, as he turns in answer to the whisper, "Sh--_Sh!"_.