"Does Miss Pattie always leave her door locked?"
"No, sir, she don't."
"You're sure Mrs. Cragg is out?"
"No, sir, I ain't sure. Only, she don't seem to be nowhere."
"Well, when she comes in tell her I want to speak to her."
The voices ceased, but Mrs. Cragg could not at once recover herself. She thrust the letters into her pocket, shut down the lid, and tried to turn the key. It would not lock so readily as it would unlock, but after several ineffectual struggles it gave way. Mrs. Cragg heard the click of the hasp with delight. She put the keys into her pocket, hastily lifted back the cardboard boxes, stood up, and listened. Steps again. Mrs. Cragg's heart went into her mouth. This time it was Pattie and Dot. No mistake about it.
"You'm doing to dive me that dee-ar lickle sodger, Pattie?"
"Yes, darling. I'll get my purse, and I'll buy him for you."
"He's dot a yed coat on, Pattie."
"Such a grand red coat," echoed Pattie.