The door closed with that severity of exclusion in which London
doors excel, and Hilliard turned despondently away. He was just
consoling himself with the thought that Eve would probably, before
long, communicate her new address to the friends at Dudley, and by
that means he might hear of it, when a dirty-faced little girl, who
had stood within earshot while he was talking, and who had followed
him to the end of the street, approached him with an abrupt inquiry.

"Was you asking for Miss Madeley, Sir?"

"Yes, I was; do you know anything of her?"

"My mother did washing for her, and when she moved I had to take
some things of hers to the new address."

"Then you remember it?"

"It's a goodish way from 'ere, Sir. Shall I go with you?"

Hilliard understood. Like the good Samaritan of old, he took out
twopence. The face of the dirty little girl brightened wonderfully.

"Tell me the address; that will be enough."

"Do you know Gower Place, Sir?"

"Somewhere near Gower Street, I suppose?"

His supposition was confirmed, and he learnt the number of the house
to which Miss Madeley had transferred herself. In that direction he