The stranger waited motionless beside the bed until she was breathing regularly again, then leaned over her treasure chest with a deep sigh and put the book back under the others.
Soundlessly, he closed the lid. ...
He went on listening to Meggie's quiet breathing for a few moments, then stole back to the door. "Well, what does it matter?" he muttered when he was out in the corridor. "Who wants to know the end of a story in advance?"
