"Shall I take the message?" asked Mrs. Parkes.
Remembering Mr. Ricaby's parting admonition Paula shook her head.
"No—I—must not receive any message," she replied.
As she spoke she was standing in a position commanding a view of the street. Suddenly she started back in consternation and beckoned to the landlady.
"Mrs. Parkes, come here, quick!"
Pointing out of the window, she said:
"Do you see that man standing on the corner—the one looking up here? I don't want him to see me. Who is it? Tell me."
"It's Dr. Zacharie with some stranger," said the landlady, peering out.
"Ah, I thought so!" exclaimed the young girl excitedly. "I was sure of it. He seems to be watching, doesn't he—watching the house?"
"Yes," said Mrs. Parkes, looking again, "it's the doctor all right, with another gentleman—the gentleman who was here before. Why, there's three of them!"