Then, startling in the stillness of the great house, came the clanging of a bell, pulled with some violence.

Carstares’ white lips moved soundlessly, and Diana, guessing it to be her father, moved, clinging to the wall, towards the door.

A moment later along the passage came the sound of steps; a gay, boisterous voice was raised, followed by a deeper, graver one.

His Grace’s face became devilish in its expression, but Carstares took no notice, seeming not to hear. Only he thrust with such skill that his Grace was forced to fall back a pace. The loud voices demanded to know what was toward in the locked room, and Diana, knowing that my lord was nearly spent, beat upon the panels.

“Quickly, quickly!” she cried. “Break through, for heaven’s sake, whoever you are! ’Tis locked!”

“Good Gad! ’tis a woman!” exclaimed the voice. “Listen, Dick!⁠—why⁠—why⁠—’tis a fight!”