Her habit of obedience prompted her to do as he desired instantly,
but she descended like lightning, called Travers, and returned
with him.

"I will ask you to come in with me, Ernest," explained Sir Walter.
"My son-in-law slept in the Grey Room last night, and he does not
respond to our calls this morning. The door is locked and we are
breaking it open."

"But you expressly refused him permission to do so, Walter."

"I did--you heard me. Let sleeping dogs lie is a very good motto,
but young men will be young men. I hope, however, nothing serious--"

He stopped, for Caunter had forced the door and burst it inward
with a crash. During the moment's silence that followed they
heard the key spring into the room and strike the wainscot. The
place was flooded with sunshine, and seemed to welcome them with
genial light and attractive art. The furniture revealed its rich
grain and beautiful modelling; the cherubs carved on the great
chairs seemed to dance where the light flashed on their little,
rounded limbs. The silvery walls were bright, and the huge roses
that tumbled over them appeared to revive and display their
original color at the touch of the sun.

On a chair beside the bed stood an extinguished candle, Tom's
watch, and Henry's revolver. The sailor's dressing-gown was still
folded where he had placed it; his rug was at the foot of the bed.
He himself knelt in the recess at the open window upon the settee