"Every one is all right," said the lift man automatically. "No lives lost. Two residents shook. One leg broke hamong the hemployees—compound fracture."
"Mrs Brand was shook," said the hall porter callously. "She had a fall."
"Where is she now?" enquired Janet.
The hall porter looked at her apathetically, and continued: "Mr Brand was taking 'orse exercise in the Park. Mrs Brand was still in her bedroom. The fire broke out, cause unbeknownst, at ten o'clock yesterday morning precisely. Ten by the barracks clock it was. The hemployees worked the hose until the first hingine arrived at quarter past."
"Twenty past," corrected the lift man.
"And Mrs Brand?" said Janet again.
"Mrs Brand must 'ave been dressing, for she was in her dressing-gown, and she must ha' run down the main staircase afore it got well alight; at least, she was found unconscious-like three flights down. Some say as she was mazed by the smoke, and some say as she fell over the banisters."
"The banisters is gone," said the lift man.
"Where is she now? Where is Mr Brand? I must see him at once," said Janet, at last realizing that the history of the fire would go on for ever.