CHAPTER XXIV
HE GOES TO HIS DOOM
Harcourt did not go to bed that night. He sat by the back window, with his head bowed upon his hands, or he rose and walked up and down the door of his room.
Until midnight the sound of his neighbor’s sewing machine kept him company. Then it ceased. He threw himself for the last time in his chair, and sat with his elbow on the window sill, his forehead on his fingers, trying to nerve his soul for the ordeal in store for him.
When the earliest streaks of dawn appeared in the east he got up, bathed his face, and prepared to set out for Adler’s rooms.
Harcourt was without a dollar, and it was necessary to borrow money to pay his way to Virginia.
As he went into the hall he heard Annie stirring about in her apartment.
He went and rapped at her door.
She quickly opened it, saying:
“Good-morning, Mr. William. I knew it was you. I heard you come out of your own room.”
“Yes, Annie; I must go to see Adler before starting on my journey. I just stopped to ask you if you would be so good as to prepare the child to accompany me. You can tell her that I am going to take her to Lady.”