"Good-evening," he said gravely. At first she paid no heed; she was vacantly staring before her: then, suddenly conscious that he was waiting, she looked up at him. "Good-night, doctor." She held out her hand, and he took it. "I'll get all right, won't I?" she asked, still looking up at him. "All right--of course you will--of course. But remember you must do what I tell you." The other man handed him his hat and umbrella, opened the door for him, and it closed behind them. * * * * * The girl remained quiet, sharply blinking her eyes, her whole expression eager, intense. A murmer of voices, a muffled tread of footsteps descending the stairs--the gentle shutting of a door--stillness. She raised herself on her elbow, listening; the cloak slipped noiselessly to the floor. Quickly her arm shot out to the bell-rope: she pulled it violently; waited, expectant; and pulled again. A slatternly figure appeared--a woman of middle-age--her arms, bared to the elbows, smeared with dirt; a grimy apron over her knees. "What's up?--I was smashin' coal," she explained. "Come here," hoarsely whispered the girl--"here--no--nearer--quite close. Where's he gone?" "Gone? 'oo?" "That man that was here." "I s'ppose 'ee's in the downstairs room. I ain't 'eard the front door slam." "And Dick, where's he?" "They're both in there together, I s'ppose." "I want you to go down--quietly--without making a noise--listen at the door--come up, and tell me what they're saying." "What? down there?" jerking her thumb over her shoulder. "Yes, of course--at once," answered the girl, impatiently. "And if they catches me--a nice fool I looks. No, I'm jest blowed if I do!" she concluded. "Whatever's up?" "You must," the girl broke out excitedly. "I tell you, you must." "Must--must--an' if I do, what am I goin' to git out of it?" She paused, reflecting; then added: "Look 'ere--I tell yer what--I'll do it for half a quid, there?" "Yes--yes--all right--only make haste." "An' 'ow d' I know as I'll git it?" she objected doggedly. "It's a jolly risk, yer know." The girl sprang up, flushed and feverish. "Quick--or he'll be gone. I don't know where it is--but you shall have it--I promise--quick--please go--quick." The other hesitated, her lips pressed together; turned, and went out. And the girl, catching at her breath, clutched a chair. * * * * * A flame flickered up in the fire, buzzing spasmodically. A creak outside. She had come up. But the curtains did not move. Why didn't she come in? She was going past. The girl hastened across the room, the intensity of the impulse lending her strength. "Come--come in," she gasped. "Quick--I'm slipping." She struck at the wall; but with the flat of her hand, for there was no grip. The woman bursting in, caught her, and led her back to the sofa.