The click of the closing of her door made him stiffen. Had someone entered her room? The faint gleam of light peeping under his own door, told him that such was not the case. Someone was standing in the hallway right outside her door. When the light receded, disappearing in the direction of the main staircase, a terrible fear struck him. Was he too late? Had someone already entered her room and ravished her while he slept? Was it the departure of the villain which had roused him? His face grim, Ives warily opened his door. The hall was in darkness except for the faint light drifting down the stairs. Concern for Sophy overrode his instinct to follow the predator, and Ives slipped into Sophy’s room, calling softly, “Sophy, do not be fearful. It is Ives. I heard a sound. Is all well with you?” Complete silence followed his words. He swiftly crossed the room and discovered that Sophy’s bed was empty. It had been Sophy descending the stairs? Utterly perplexed and not a little worried, Ives stepped back into the hallway.
