Mr Coventry looked at the lady referred to. It was Dora Hardy! As she descended the staircase, she leant on Mr Gainsford's arm. On the gentleman's other side was Mrs Murphy. As he saw her, she saw him. The young lady dropped the gentleman's arm. She ran down the stairs with her hand stretched out.
"Mr Coventry!"
"Dora!"
She laughed--and blushed. She turned to her companions.
"I don't think I need trouble you after all, Mr Coventry will see me home."
Before Mr Coventry had realised the situation he found himself in the open air with the lady. They turned, perhaps instinctively, towards Hove. It happened, that night, that that part of the Front was almost deserted. They walked some little distance before the gentleman recovered the use of his tongue.
"Dora--what--what cock-and-bull story was that fool telling me?"
"I really cannot say."
"He--he said that you--you were the great Sarah."
"So I am. Don't I look it?"