Outside the window the same chaotic sweep and whirl of the atmosphere prevailed.

It was difficult, even holding a lantern outside, to see, but they did see that a track had come up to the window and again turned from it.

After that they all searched the house, Courthope allowed to be of the company, apparently because he could thus be watched.

The thief of the night had come and gone; some silver and jewellery which had been stored in a closet adjoining the bedroom of the sisters had been taken.
Courthope understood very little of the talk that went on.

At length, to his great relief, Madge gave her full attention to him in parley.
'Won't you believe that I know nothing whatever of the doings of this sneak-thief ?' Some of her intense excitement had passed away, succeeded by distress, discouragement, and perhaps perplexity, but that last she did not express to him.