If only she could get into the elevator and escape before he arrived!
The car was at one of the upper floors. She rang desperately until it appeared. The instant the iron door slid back, she flung herself in, gasping:
"Quick! Take me up quickly!"
"Yes, miss," replied the startled but drowsy elevator boy—as a tall form passed in after her. Mildred shrank into a corner, quivering.
"Fou'th flo'," announced the boy.
She sprang out. As she staggered totteringly down the dim corridor, she heard the man step out of the car.
Her latch key! Her latch key! She fumbled frantically in her handbag; then groped for the lock.
The man drew nearer.
She was helpless, cornered at the end of a dark hallway. Almost hysterical she let the key fall and closed her eyes.
At that moment the door opposite was unlocked briskly, and a lusty young voice inside yelled: "Hello, Pappa!"