The clerk shuffled quickly to his feet and followed Helen into the passage.
"Now look here" said Helen firmly "did Mr. Sheene ask if any ladies entered the office yesterday."
Netherby looked uneasily at the floor and kicked up the oil cloth.
"Speak up" cried Helen loudly, "and dont tear my carpets please."
"Well miss" said Netherby nervously "he did mention something of the kind last night."
"Oh he did, did he" screamed Helen "and what did you say?"
"Well miss I did'nt tell a story" said Netherby "I said not that I knew of because you see miss, I did'nt look to see if you let the lady in or not after I went into the office."
"Thank you Netherby" said Helen "you have done me a great service, "and she pressed a sovereign into the trembling hand of the clerk.
Entering the sitting room she found Alice waiting with a telegram in hand "its for you miss" she said "and the reply is prepaid."
Helen tore it open; it ran thus: