The sound of shuffling chairs evidenced the breaking up of the party, in preparation to return to the ballroom.

If Miss McDonald's absence were to escape observation, she would have to slip out now and rejoin the others as they left the house.

He again turned down the light, and held back the curtain.
"The way is clear now, Miss Molly." There was no response, no movement.

He stepped outside, thinking the girl must have failed to hear him.

The porch was empty.