That bodkin he drove into the edge of one of the
panels of the wainscot, in line with the topmost step; drawing
the cord taut at a height of a foot or so above this step, he
made fast its other end to the newel-post at the stair-head. He
had so rehearsed the thing in his mind that the performance of it
occupied but a few seconds. Such dim light of that autumn
afternoon as reached the spot would leave that fine cord
invisible.
Sir Richard went back to her ladyship. She had not moved in his
absence, so brief as scarcely to have left her time in which to
resolve upon disobeying his injunction.
"We move in secret like conspirators," said he, "and so we are
easily affrighted.. I should have known it could be none but my
lord himself . . . here?"
"My lord!" she interrupted, coming excitedly to her feet. "Lord
Robert?"
"To be sure, my lady. It was he had need to visit you in secret--
for did the Queen have knowledge of his coming here, it would
mean the Tower for him. You cannot think what, out of love for
you, his lordship suffers. The Queen . . I,
"But do you say that he is here, man", her voice shrilled up in
excitement.
"He is below, my lady. Such is his peril that he dared not set
foot in Cumnor until he was certain beyond doubt that you are
here alone.
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