Richard narrowed his eyes in response to the sound. He stood up from the chair and advanced cautiously. Richard wondered whether someone had come secretly as he started to become aware. He approached a bookcase cautiously and peered from there. His eyes widened as he gazed at it.
"You?" he asked as he spread his lips in wonder.
Adela groaned and looked up as she heard Richard's voice. She smiled awkwardly. She appeared to have fallen there accidentally since she was lying down on the ground.
"Adela," Richard murmured as he approached to offer her a hand. "What happened to you?"
Adela grabbed Richard's hand and said, "I just slipped down here." She got to her feet and stood.
Richard smiled and added, "I assumed you wouldn't come, Adela." Adela furrowed her brows with concern. Then she asked in a startled tone, "Why, though, am I? Why don't you take my word for it?"
