Lawrence produced the key from his pocket and was about to slip it quietly into the lock, when Helen interupted him: "Mr. Lincarrol" she said "dont you think it would be safer to give the key to Mrs. Norton, because if Mr. Palsey hears you opening the door he would be sure to get out and then there might be another scene."
"So there might" replied Lawrence, "well I think that would be the best, come along Gladys, the sooner we get off the better."
"Let me out, let me out" screamed Mr. Palsey from within the drawing room, "I'll tell the police of it; let me out this instant."
"Have patience" shouted Lawrence, but his words were hardly audible for Mr. Palsey was releiving his feelings by kicking violently at the door.
"The hall door was open, and Mrs. Norton was standing by it waiting for her lodgers to come down.
"Well miss this is short notice" she began in an injured tone.
"I am very sorry" replied Gladys "but I have to leave in a great hurry, I would have let you know before had it been possible," and she handed a few soverigns to the land lady.
"By the by Mrs. Norton" began Lawrance "here is the key of your drawing room, Mr. Palsey is in there for reasons which I dont see fit to mention now, but as I found him assaulting a lady when I arrived I shall see fit to inform the police and no doubt you will be kind enough to take charge of the key until my return."
"Oh yes sir" replied Mrs. Norton, who had no great devotion for that cross-grained Mr. Palsey as she called him "you can trust me fully."
"Thank you" replied Lawrence, noting down Mrs. Norton's name and address in his memoranda as he spoke.