I saw their heads close together in earnest conversation.

I went on towards the house.
I entered by the back, and made my way across the great hall, which was still invaded by domestics with brushes and brooms.

Taking a small key from my watch-chain, I unfastened the door of a room almost behind the staircase, and pushed it open.

The curtains were drawn, and the room itself, therefore, almost in darkness.

I carefully locked myself in, and turned up the electric light.
The apartment was a small one, and contained only a few pieces of heavy antique furniture.