The sound was that of footsteps, evidently those of a man, in the lower hall.
"What shall we do?
Oh, what shall we do ?" said Mrs.Lee, in a thin whisper.

She trembled so that she could scarcely stand.
Mrs.Van Dorn, trying to speak, only chattered.

She clutched Mrs.Lee harder.
"Is there a back staircase?
Oh, is there ?" whispered Mrs.Lee.

"Is there ?" The odor of a cigar stole softly through the house.

"I can smell his cigar," whispered Mrs.Lee, in an agony.
Mrs.Van Dorn pulled herself together.