"'Much obliged,' said Sophy. 'Give us a kiss, aunty. Now I'm off.'
"And off she was, but not without saluting our reporter with an elaborate courtesy.
"Mrs. Middlemore waited till she heard the street-door slam, and then said,
"'Did you ever see the likes of her?'
"'I declare to you, my dear madam,' said our reporter, 'that the more I see of Sophy the more I like her. What have the police done? Anything?'
"'Nothing, sir. I went and told 'em what 'ad 'appened, and two policemen came and looked at the bed, looked under it, looked in every room as you said they would, looked at me, and went away.'
"'And they have not been here again?'
"'No, sir.'
"'Mrs. Middlemore, may I have another peep in M. Felix's rooms?'
"'Certainly, sir.'