THE TUNNEL VOLUMES IN THIS SERIES POINTED ROOFS BACKWATER HONEYCOMB THE TUNNEL In preparation INTERIM THE TUNNEL BY DOROTHY M. RICHARDSON AUTHOR OF "POINTED ROOFS," ETC. LONDON DUCKWORTH & CO. 3 HENRIETTA STREET, COVENT GARDEN First Published February, 1919 Second Impression March, 1919 All rights reserved TO M. K. THE TUNNEL CHAPTER I 1 Miriam paused with her heavy bag dragging at her arm. It was a disaster. But it was the last of Mornington Road. To explain about it would be to bring Mornington Road here. "It doesn't matter now" said Mrs. Bailey as she dropped her bag and fumbled for her purse. "Oh, I'd better settle it at once or I shall forget about it. I'm so glad the things have come so soon." When Mrs. Bailey had taken the half-crown they stood smiling at each other. Mrs. Bailey looked exactly as she had done the first time. It was exactly the same; there was no disappointment. The light coming through the glass above the front door made her look more shabby and worn. Her hair was more metallic. But it was the same girlish figure and the same smile triumphing over the badly fitting teeth. Miriam felt like an inmate returning after an absence. The smeariness of the marble-topped hall table did not offend her. She held herself in. It was better to begin as she meant to go on. Behind Mrs. Bailey the staircase was beckoning. There was something waiting upstairs that would be gone if she stayed talking to Mrs. Bailey.