Outside a gale was blowing.

She could hear the wind roaring through the street.

A sudden gust blew down the chimney and the flames flickered and bent beneath it, while in the distance sounded a low rumble of thunder--the odd, unexpected thunder that comes sometimes in winter.
Presently the lift gates clanged apart.

She heard Mallory's step as he crossed the hall.

Then the door of the room opened and shut.
She did not speak.