'Missus will be in shortly. If you'll take a seat in the 'all—I can't ask you into any other room, they're all occupied.'
There was nothing to do but to accept, and after having asked when the landlady might be expected in, and receiving the inevitable 'Really couldn't say for certain, sir, but I don't think she'll be long,' he sat down in a chair, weary and footsore; there were times when struck by a sudden thought he would make a movement as if to start from his seat; but instantly remembering his own powerlessness, he would slip back into his attitude of heavy fatigue. In the dining-room the clock ticked, and he listened to the passing of the minutes, tortured by the idea that his wife was suffering, dying, and that he was not near to help, to assist, to assuage. He forgot that they were penniless, homeless; all was lost in a boundless pity, and he listened to the footsteps growing sharper as they approached, and duller as they went. At last the sound of the latchkey was heard in the lock, and Dick started to his feet. It was the landlady.
'Have you seen my wife?'
'Yes, sir,' exclaimed the astonished woman; 'she was here this morning; all our rooms are let, so I couldn't——'
'Where has she gone to, do you know?'
'Well, sir, I was going to say, she asked me if I could recommend her to some quiet place, and I sent her to Mrs. Hurley's.'
'And will you give me Mrs. Hurley's address?'
'Yes, sir, certainly; but if I may make so bold, you're looking very tired—may I offer you a glass of beer? And Mrs. Lennox is looking very bad too, she is—'
'I'm much obliged, but I've no time; if you'd give me the address….'
No sooner were the words spoken than, forgetful of his aching feet, Dick rushed away, and dodging the passers-by he ran until he laid hands on the knocker and bell in question.