"
"Of course you can do as you like, Charlotte," Eleanor said feebly;
"but for my part I would much rather go on as we are. We don't know
now that the will really exists, and I would much rather go on
thinking that there is a doubt about it."
"Very well, then; go on so, Eleanor. You need ask no questions of me,
and I shall tell you nothing. Only remember, if I die before you don't
part with the _pailliasse_ on my bed."
Mrs. Conway thought a good deal during the day about the events of the
night before, and determined to be more cautious than ever in her
operations; for she thought it probable that Miss Penfold would be
even more wakeful and suspicious than before. She would have left the
search alone for a few days had it not been for the idea that had
taken her from her bed the night before. It had struck her then as
possible that the spring opening the secret closet might be in the
chimney behind it, and that it was necessary to touch this from the
outside before opening the door of the secret room.
She was convinced that had there been a spring in the room itself she
must have discovered it, but it never before struck her that it might
be at the back of the closet. She felt that she must satisfy herself
on this point whatever the risk of discovery. Accordingly at the usual
hour she made her way downstairs.
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