The bedroom door opened slowly by a few inches at a time.

Anne's voice was just audible speaking cautiously behind it.
"Is that you, Geoffrey ?" Arnold's heart began to beat fast, in anticipation of the disclosure which was now close at hand.

He knew neither what to say or do--he remained silent.
Anne repeated the question in louder tones: "Is that you ?" There was the certain prospect of alarming her, if some reply was not given.

There was no help for it.

Come what come might, Arnold answered, in a whisper: "Yes." The door was flung wide open.