outside--that of the well-hole into the avenue. Suddenly, without any
seeming cause, the light in the room began to grow dim. Sir Nathaniel,
who was sitting close to Mimi, rose to his feet, and, crying, "Quick!"
caught hold of her hand and began to drag her from the room. Adam caught
her other hand, and between them they drew her through the outer door
which the servants were beginning to close. It was difficult at first to
find the way, the darkness was so great; but to their relief when Adam
whistled shrilly, the carriage and horses, which had been waiting in the
angle of the avenue, dashed up. Her husband and Sir Nathaniel
lifted--almost threw--Mimi into the carriage. The postillion plied whip
and spur, and the vehicle, rocking with its speed, swept through the gate
and tore up the road. Behind them was a hubbub--servants rushing about,
orders being shouted out, doors shutting, and somewhere, seemingly far
back in the house, a strange noise. Every nerve of the horses was
strained as they dashed recklessly along the road. The two men held Mimi
between them, the arms of both of them round her as though protectingly.
As they went, there was a sudden rise in the ground; but the horses,
breathing heavily, dashed up it at racing speed, not slackening their
pace when the hill fell away again, leaving them to hurry along the
downgrade.

It would be foolish to say that neither Adam nor Mimi had any fear in
returning to Doom Tower. Mimi felt it more keenly than her husband,
whose nerves were harder, and who was more inured to danger. Still she
bore up bravely, and as usual the effort was helpful to her. When once
she was in the study in the top of the turret, she almost forgot the
terrors which lay outside in the dark. She did not attempt to peep out
of the window; but Adam did--and saw nothing. The moonlight showed all
the surrounding country, but nowhere was to be observed that tremulous
line of green light.