This
bedroom was converted into a prison. A momentary hope flashed on
me--perhaps all the windows were secured alike! But it was no such thing:
these gaol-like precautions were confined to the windows to which I had
access.
For a few minutes I felt quite distracted; but I bethought me that I must
now, if ever, control my terrors and exert whatever faculties I possessed.
I stood upon a chair and examined the oak-work. I thought I detected marks
of new chiselling here and there. The screws, too, looked new; and they
and the scars on the woodwork were freshly smeared over with some coloured
stuff by way of disguise.
While I was making these observations, I heard the key stealthily stirred.
I suspect that Madame wished to surprise me. Her approaching step, indeed,
was seldom audible; she had the soft tread of the feline tribe.
I was standing in the centre of the room confronting her when she entered.
'Why did you lock the door, Madame?' I demanded.
She slipped in suddenly with an insidious smirk, and locked the door
hastily.
'Hish!' whispered Madame, raising her broad palm; and then screwing in her
cheeks, she made an ogle over her shoulder in the direction of the passage.
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