One more attempt and then I 'm off . '' * * * * * `` I 'll go to bed now , Hester ; but while you get my things ready I 'll take a turn in the corridor . The air will refresh me . '' As she spoke , Lady Trevlyn drew her wrapper about her and paced softly down the long hall lighted only by fitful gleams of moonlight and the ruddy glow of the fire . At the far end was the state chamber , never used now , and never visited except by Hester , who occasionally went in to dust and air it , and my lady , who always passed the anniversary of Sir Richard 's death alone there . The gallery was very dark , and she seldom went farther than the last window in her restless walks , but as she now approached she was startled to see a streak of yellow light under the door . She kept the key herself and neither she nor Hester had been there that day . A cold shiver passed over her for , as she looked , the shadow of a foot darkened the light for a moment and vanished as if someone had noiselessly passed . Obeying a sudden impulse , my lady sprang forward and tried to open the door . It was locked , but as her hand turned the silver knob a sound as if a drawer softly closed met her ear . She stooped to the keyhole but it was dark , a key evidently being in the lock . She drew back and flew to her room , snatched the key from her dressing table , and , bidding Hester follow , returned to the hall . `` What is it , my lady ? '' cried the woman , alarmed at the agitation of her mistress . `` A light , a sound , a shadow in the state chamber . Come quick ! '' cried Lady Trevlyn , adding , as she pointed to the door , `` There , there , the light shines underneath . Do you see it ? '' `` No , my lady , it 's dark , '' returned Hester . It was , but never pausing my lady thrust in the key , and to her surprise it turned , the door flew open , and the dim , still room was before them .
XXXXX boldly entered , and while her mistress slowly followed , she searched the room , looking behind the tall screen by the hearth , up the wide chimney , in the great wardrobe , and under the ebony cabinet , where all the relics of Sir Richard were kept .
Hester Richard Trevlyn day fire gleams key shines streak woman