Slowly, using every precaution to avoid noise, I turned the knob, and opened the intervening door a scant inch.

I could hear the voice now plainly, but my view was blocked by a heavy curtain.
Breathless, I drew a fold aside, and caught a glimpse of the interior.
Neither occupant was facing in my direction, and both were too deeply interested to observe.

Besides, the possibility of intrusion was not in their minds.

Henley stood beside his desk, the same sneering smile I had learned to hate, curling his lips, his eyes on her face in a gaze that was insult.

The girl, evidently retreating before him, alarmed by some word he had uttered, or by his approach, had reached the door, and grasped the knob.