However, I stood in the partly opened door, hoping I should be called.  As the muffled figure passed me on the way up the staircase I vainly sought to catch a glimpse of the youth’s face, but he turned neither to the right nor left.

Richard, however, saw me and shook his head, indicating with an angry, peremptory gesture, that I should withdraw.

For days I felt a strange curiosity about this youth, but as Richard gave my inquisitiveness no food, and conducted his attentions to his charge in an orderly, business-like manner, I dismissed the subject from my mind.

CHAPTER XVI.

Nothing new transpired the remainder of those autumn days.  November was now close upon us.  About this time I remarked a sudden falling off of my hitherto prosperous school.  Determined to know the cause, I inquired of one of my assistants, in whom I confided, if she was aware of the cause of this decline.  She hesitated to reply to my question, but when pressed for her opinion she informed me that my pupils were dissatisfied with my relations with Mr. Richard, and also with his conduct respecting the youth who had been imprisoned on the upper floor.  They asserted they had heard groans proceeding from the room he occupied, and feared to remain in a house where mystery and secrecy were rife.

I was astonished and alarmed at this information.  You, reader, will be surprised to learn that I was at that time more ignorant of events that transpired around me than my own pupils.  But I was not of a suspicious nature, and happy in my new life of love, the few weeks that had elapsed since my marriage passed as in a delicious dream.

But now I was thoroughly aroused and ready to return to duty.  I thanked the teacher for her information and then dismissed her, as I wished to be alone.

When left to the quiet of my own thoughts I reflected how best to proceed in the matter.  Richard was not at home, I could not question him, and he had the key of his ward’s room with him.

I finally concluded I would go to the door of this private room and listen if I could detect any unusual noise from within.

With trepidation I ascended the back staircase leading to the secluded apartment.

Near the door I paused against the alcove of the great window that lighted the hall, and looked out.  The sky was dull and leaden; a scanty snow was falling, and the wind, blowing furiously, drove it hither and yon.  I stood for some moments looking out upon the gloomy prospect so in accordance with my state of mind.  Suddenly I caught a glimpse of Richard crossing the street.  I started when I saw him and was about to retreat, when a thought arrested me.  Why should I hurry away?  Was I afraid of Richard?  Was he not the proper person to consult in my dilemma?  I would let him know that I desired to enter the room!

So thinking, I approached the door and tried it.  It was locked, but at the sound of the turning knob a sad, dreary moan arose from within—­a cry of mingled fear and weakness.  The sound of that moaning voice seemed familiar to my ear.  What could it mean?