It should be done without loss of time--on that very day, if possible; by the next day at latest.

She looked round her mechanically, pondering how to reach the end in view.

Her eyes rested by chance on the door of the billiard-room.
Was it fancy?
or did she really see the door first open a little, then suddenly and softly close again?
Was it fancy?
or did she really hear, at the same moment, a sound behind her as of persons speaking in the conservatory?
She paused; and, looking back in that direction, listened intently.

The sound--if she had really heard it--was no longer audible.

She advanced toward the billiard-room to set her first doubt at rest.