The door was thrown open at the same moment.

A lithe little person rapidly descended the steps that led to the lawn.
"It's Emily come back again," said Francine.
"And she seems to be rather in a hurry," Cecilia remarked.
Francine's satirical smile showed itself for a moment.

Did this appearance of hurry in Emily's movements denote impatience to resume the recital of "the dagger-scene"?
She had no book in her hand; she never even looked toward Francine.

Sorrow became plainly visible in her face as she approached the two girls.
Cecilia rose in alarm.

She had been the first person to whom Emily had confided her domestic anxieties.