'Yes. What may you want?'
'I want to know, if you please, if Mr. Egremont called here to-day and left a message for Mr. Smith about some books.'
'He's been here, but he left no message.'
'Was he here long?'
'All the morning.'
'Putting books on the shelves?'
'Yes.'
'Thank you. If there was no message, it's all right.'
Luke went off. In Kennington Road he again stood still. He felt chilled and wretched to the heart's core. Thyrza! Thyrza Trent! Was it possible?
He moved on. This time it was to Newport Street. Half-past ten had just gone; would Totty be up still? Whether or no, he must see her. He rang the bell which was a summons to her part of the house. Bunce opened.