Twenty minutes to two
A boy had ridden up with a telegram . Groatley , waiting to see them off , took it ; picked up a silver salver from the hall table , and followed Lady Ingleby to her sitting-room . There seemed so sudden a silence in the house , that Ronald and Billy with one accord stood listening . `` Twenty minutes to two , '' said Billy , glancing at the clock . `` Spirits are walking . '' The next moment a cry rang out from Lady Ingleby 's sitting-room -- a cry of such mingled bewilderment , wonder , and relief , that they looked at one another in amazement . Then without waiting to question or consider , they hastened to her .