"
So overwhelmed was Mrs. Conway at this termination to her long search
that she sank on the ground, and it was some time before she could
collect herself sufficiently to consider what was her best course. It
was evident that for some reason Miss Penfold had been about to visit
the secret room to see that the will was still in safety. The failure
of the springs to act had, of course, disconcerted her; but she might
try again in the morning, and would then be able to enter the room,
and would discover that the will was missing.
It was clearly the best course to make off at once. She remembered now
that she had noticed a tiny hole no bigger than a nail-hole in the
door, and had found that upon the other side it was just above a row
of books in the shelves somewhat lower in height than the rest, and
was evidently intended to enable the occupant of the chamber to obtain
a view of the library, and see whether that room was occupied. She
applied her eye to it at once, and saw that all was dark. Concealing
the lantern again beneath her coat, she drew back the bolts gently and
stepped out. Then she went to one of the windows, took down the bell,
carefully unbarred the shutters, threw up the window and stepped out.
She sped cross the garden, down the drive, and through the gate, and
then hurried at the top of her speed toward the village.
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