"It chanced that in the tower without I could not sleep, and feeling
uneasy concerning my guests, I entered the castle by the private door
and staircase which leads into the apartment corresponding to this on
the floor beneath. I was assuring myself that you were doing your duty
when, being disturbed by the sudden hubbub, and judging it needless
that the men-at-arms should know of my presence in the castle, I came
in hither till the matter should have blown over. And so, but for your
good conscience and the keenness of your vision, the matter would have
ended."

Sholto bowed coldly.

"But, my lord," he said, ignoring the Earl's explanation, "the matter
grows more mysterious than ever. Your sister, the little Lady
Margaret, hath been grievously frighted by an appearance like a great
beast which (so she affirms) opened the door of her chamber and looked
within."

"She but dreamed," said the Earl, carelessly; "such visions come from
supping late."

"But, with all respect, your lordship," continued Sholto, "I also saw
the appearance even as I ran down the stairs from the roof at the
noise of her crying."

"You were startled--excited, and but thought you saw."

Sholto reversed his sword, which he had held with the point towards
the ground while he was speaking with his lord the Earl.