Was that a courteous hint that if she hadn't been so slow in her movements she might have had their room? Was the fortunate couple the two who had held her thoughts for hours? If so, she was glad she had been late; that sad-eyed little wife needed a quiet room for getting her nerves under control. Then came another hotel official to exchange a few words in undertone with the one who was trying to serve her. A moment, then her sympathetic friend turned to her again. "Madam, I have just heard that the man who engaged No. 38 for the night, has changed his mind, and is staying with friends in town. If you cared to wait in the reception room for a few minutes we could have it ready for you." Grateful thanks were of course the only reply to make to this. As she took up the pen to register Mrs. Dunlap remarked: "It seems almost foolish to register for the few hours there are left of the night." But she said it with a genial smile and the friendly air that made clerks and porters and all who served her, glad to offer a helping hand. The name just preceding her own held her attention as probably the one that belonged to the couple who had so continually interested her that evening. "R. H. Keller and wife." They were booked for Room 537. That must be four floors above her own. She wished they had been nearer, then she might have opportunity to exchange courtesies with that frightened little bride; if she could only mother her a little, she would be glad. The parlor in which she waited looked vast and gloomy in its midnight dimness and solitude. No not quite solitude, there were other occupants, a man and woman, probably waiting like herself for a room to be made ready. Her first impulse was to choose a corner as far removed from them as space would permit. Instead, she took possession of one of the couches quite near where they were standing for she suddenly recognized them as her traveling companions, and her interest in the girl flamed anew as she caught sight of her face. What could be troubling that girl! The more she saw of the man's face the more she distrusted him. Perhaps she imagined it, but it seemed as though he had recognized her close proximity with a frown! Nevertheless, she determined not to retreat. What if there should be a chance just to speak a cheery word to the girl? She tucked herself among the cushions, drew her coat closely about her, and seemed to sleep, but she had never felt wider awake. Her nervousness was taking the form of a premonition. The man had turned toward his wife. "We may as well be comfortable while we wait," he said. "It is beastly luck to have to wait at all. These second class towns never have proper hotel accommodations. Let us go over to that couch at the other end of the room where the pillows look less stinted." The girl looked over at the distant couch then glanced back to the one where Mrs. Dunlap rested.