Linley led the way down the steps again.

"We are shut out," he said.
Sydney listened in silent dismay.

He seemed to be merely amused; he treated their common misfortune as lightly as if it had been a joke.
"There's nothing so very terrible in our situation," he reminded her.
"The servants' offices will be opened between six and seven o'clock; the weather is perfect; and the summer-house in the French Garden has one easy-chair in it, to my certain knowledge, in which you may rest and sleep.

I'm sure you must be tired--let me take you there." She drew back, and looked up at the house.
"Can't we make them hear us ?" she asked.
"Quite impossible.

Besides--" He was about to remind her of the evil construction which might be placed on their appearance together, returning from the garden at an advanced hour of the night; but her innocence pleaded with him to be silent.