"It's an awful situation," and she moved stealthily across the floor to the window.
There was a faint gaslight outside, and the watchers could see her figure and profile black against the slight illumination.

All was still and silent as the grave when they began their dreary watch.
The minutes passed slowly in the darkness, and there was an unbroken silence save for the breathing of the watchers and the restless movements of Mrs.Clear near the window.

They saw her pass and repass the square of glass, when, unexpectedly, she paused, rigid and silent.
A stealthy step was ascending the distant stair, and pacing cat-like along the passage.
Lucian felt a tremor pass through his body as the steps of the murderer sounded nearer and clearer.

They paused at the door, and then moved towards the window where Mrs.Clear was standing.
"Is that you ?" said a low voice, which came weirdly out of the darkness.
"Yes.

I have been waiting for the last half hour, Mr.Wrent," replied the woman in nervous tones.