The sense that she was protecting others deprived her of fear for herself.
The footsteps were on the topmost stair now, and a key was thrust with a rasping sound into the lock.

But before it could be turned--it fortunately fitted ill--we three had jumped on the bed and were crouching in a row at the head of it, where the curtains of the alcove concealed, and only just concealed us, from any one standing at the end of the room near the door.
I was the outermost, and through a chink could see what passed.

One, two, three people came in, and the door was closed behind them.

Three people, and one of them a woman! My heart--which had been in my mouth--returned to its place, for the Vidame was not one.

I breathed freely; only I dared not communicate my relief to the others, lest my voice should be heard.