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 him Anisty, in natural course they would undertake to search the flat. And if she were found. … Oh, she must spare him that! She had given him cause for suffering enough. She must get away, and that instantly, before. … From a distance, to-morrow morning,—to-night, even,—by telegraph, she could communicate with him. …

At this juncture O'Hagan entered with his parcel. The rustle of the paper as he brushed against the door-jamb was in itself a hint to a mind keyed to the highest pitch of excitement and seeking a way of escape from a position conceived to be perilous. In a trice the girl had turned and sped, lightfooted, to the door opening on the private hall.

Here, halting for a brief reconnaissance, she determined that her plan was feasible, if hazardous. She ran the risk of encountering some one ascending the stairs from the ground floor; but if she were cautious and quick she could turn back in time. On the other hand, the men whom she most feared were thoroughly occupied with their differences, dead to all save that which was happening within the room's