"I'm certain he will!" Hilda persisted. "Please--"
The other began to walk away, dragging Hilda with her. The policeman, inspecting them from a distance, coughed and withdrew. They climbed a flight of steps on the far side of the pier, crossed the promenade, and went up Preston Street in silence.
"I should prefer not to be seen going in with you," said Sarah Gailey suddenly. "It might--" she freed her arm.
"Go down the area steps," said Hilda, "and I'll wait a moment and then go in at the front door."
Sarah Gailey hurried forward alone.
Hilda, watching her, and observing the wet footmarks which she left on the pavement, was appalled by the sense of her own responsibility as to the future of Sarah Gailey. Till this hour, even at her most conscientious, she had under-estimated the seriousness of Sarah Gailey's case. Everybody had under-estimated the seriousness of Sarah Gailey's case.
She became aware of some one hurrying cautiously up the street on the other side. It was George Cannon. As soon as Sarah had disappeared within the house he crossed over.
"What's the matter?" he inquired anxiously.
"Well--"
"She hasn't been trying to drown herself, has she?"