"She'll be here in a few minutes." He stepped aside for her to pass.

She looked back down the staircase carefully and with the greatest caution; then she entered and went on tiptoe, noiselessly, down the passage into the sitting-room.

There could be no doubt that she was thoroughly enjoying the part of a conspirator and resolved to play it to the limit.
The Honourable John Ruffin was the last man in the world to spoil her simple pleasure, and as they came into the sitting-room he suddenly gripped her arm.
Eglantine jumped and squeaked.
"Hist!" said the Honourable John Ruffin, laying a finger on his lips, frowning portentously, and rolling his eyes.

Then he added in blank verse, as being appropriate to the conspiratorial attitude: "I thought I heard a footstep on the stairs." They both listened intently--at least Eglantine did; she hardly breathed in her intentness.

Then he said in a declamatory fashion: "I was mistaken; we are saved again." He loosed her arm.