the closing of a door.
Her stiff muscles relaxed and, leaning forward, she peered into the studio.

It was empty.

They had all gone, and with a sigh of relief she stepped out from her hiding-place.
She wandered aimlessly about for a minute or two, then came to anchor in front of Mrs.T.Van Decken's portrait.

With a curious sense of detachment, she fell to criticising it afresh.

It had been painted with amazing skill and insight.