It was easier this time. My success last time had given me confidence and I got downstairs and into the morning room far more quickly than before. The note itself was soon written. The candle I decided to leave behind to lessen the risk of anyone seeing me on my way back. I felt that I knew the way sufficiently to manage safely in the dark. Congratulating myself on how well I was adapting to the vagaries of my new life, I left the room. I'd one foot on the stairs when a sound behind me made me whirl round.

 'Can one ask what you are doing creeping about at this time of night, m'dear?'

 'One can,' I replied, stalling for time.

 ’What are you doing creeping about at this time of night?’

 Unfortunately, panic made me forget all about m...

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