"Listen!" said she, in a very low whisper.
"Well, it's only some one going up the stairs," said he, in a reassuring tone.
Carrie shook her head emphatically.
"Coming, not going," said she. "And it's a policeman's tread. Don't you know that?"
Max grew rather cold.
"Oh, nonsense!" said he, quickly. "What should—"
She stopped him by a rapid gesture, and at the same moment there was a ring at the bell. For a moment, Max, alarmed by the girl's words, hesitated to open it. Carrie made a rapid gesture to him to do so, at the same time disappearing herself into the sitting-room.
Max opened the door.
A man in plain clothes stood outside, and at the head of the stairs behind him was a policeman in uniform.
"Mr. Dudley Horne?" said the man.