“ ‘Won’t give no name, sir,’ he answered. ‘Wants to see you, but I told her the rules.’
“Once again I hesitated; probably I’d exaggerated—put a totally false construction on her expression, probably she was looking for a job like the rest of them. And then I knew that I’d got to see that woman, and that I should have no peace of mind until I’d heard what she had to say. The watch dog was regarding me curiously; plainly he could see no reason whatever for my hesitation. He was a matter-of-fact fellow, was the guardian of the door.
“ ‘Show her in, I’ll see her now.’ I had my back to him, but I could feel his virtuous indignation. After all, rules are rules.
“ ‘Now, sir?’ he echoed.
“ ‘Now; at once.’
“He went out, and I heard him go up the steps.
“ ‘Mr. Trayne will see you. Come this way.’
“And then the door opened again, and I turned to face the woman. She was young—quite young, dressed in a kind of cheap suburban frock. Her shoes had been good ones—once, now—well, however skilfully a patch is put on it is still a patch. Her gloves showed traces of much needle and cotton; the little bag she carried was rubbed and frayed. And over the cheap suburban frock she had on a coat which was worn and threadbare.
“ ‘It was good of you to see me, Mr. Trayne.’
“She was nervous and her voice shook a little, but she faced me quite steadily.