As this thought broke over me, I slid from my bed and into my warmest dressing gown. I went across the corridor and opened the door to Miss Reilly's room. I did not need to step any further inside to hear her snores and know that she slept soundly. Satisfied on that point I made my way to my master's bedroom. The light I had lit earlier in the evening was still burning and both the bed and the room at large seemed untouched.

Finally, my worry subsiding somewhat, I made my way out into the courtyard and across into the laboratory buildings where the master had his work-rooms. I moved across the unused dissection room floor and up the stairs to my master's cabinet. I stood at the threshold, listening and heard the unmistakable cough of my master's voice, and a sigh. Then, his usual heavy tread moved across the boards, pacing as was his habit.

Satisfied, I moved away from the door and made my way back to my bed. I don't know why my master had chosen to walk in such a way, or to pay a visit to Miss Reilly's room, but I was satisfied that everything was as it should be, and that was enough for me.

I climbed back into my bed and soon slept soundly.