As he did so, a lady, who occupied room 42, directly across the hallway, opened her door, and called to the maid.
She handed her a piece of silver as she came up to where she stood, leaning out into the corridor.
“Kindly go to the office and ask for mail for Mrs. Morton,” she said.
The maid hastened away.
Then Mrs. Morton stepped across the hall, and stood before the door of room 43.
Nick had not yet left the door, but was standing close to it on the inside. As the woman approached, he listened for a moment, and then opened the door.
The woman started back in dismay.
“Something you want?” asked Nick, with a smile.
The woman, who was young and far from ill-looking, blushed prettily.