I had not reached the first landing when I called to mind my midnight meeting with Welbeck at the door of his daughter's chamber.

The chamber was now desolate; perhaps it was accessible; if so, no injury was done by entering it.

My curiosity was strong, but it pictured to itself no precise object.

Three steps would bear me to the door.

The trial, whether it was fastened, might be made in a moment; and I readily imagined that something might be found within to reward the trouble of examination.