It was locked.

Jack had brought away the bunch of keys which he had taken from Quilt Arnold, but, none of them would open it.

He was therefore obliged to use the iron bar, which he did with as much caution as circumstances would permit.

At the first blow, Mrs.Sheppard uttered a piercing scream.
"Wretch!" she cried, "you shall not force me to your hateful purpose.

I will never wed you.