"I'm not. I've just come on an errand for Mrs. Clarke."
Dan's eyes searched hers in swift inquiry.
"I'm a trained nurse now," she said, determined to take the situation lightly. "You remember how crazy I used to be about doping people?"
He did not answer, and she hurried on as if afraid of any silence that might fall between them.
"It all started with the smallpox in Calvary Alley. Been back there, Dan?"
"Not yet."
"Lots of changes since the old days. Mr. Snawdor and Fidy and Mrs. Smelts and Mr. Demry all gone. Have you heard about Mr. Demry?"
Dan shook his head. He was not listening to her, but he was looking at her searchingly, broodingly, with growing insistence.
The hammering of the type-writer was the only sound that broke the ensuing pause.
"Tell me your news, Dan," said Nance in desperation. "Where you living now?"