But----" He heard nothing even now, nothing; but whatever it was sharpened her hearing to an abnormal pitch, it was clear that she did.

She was on her feet; with a startled cry she was round the table and half-way across the room, while he stared, the word suspended on his lips.

A second, and her hand was on the latch of the staircase door.

Then as she opened it, he sprang forward to accompany her, to help her, to protect her if necessary.

"Let me come!" he said.