They turned and walked towards the foot of Hampstead Road, whence
they could go by tram-car to Patty's abode in High Street, Camden
Town. Supported by the hope of finding a letter when she arrived,
Miss Ringrose grew more like herself.

"You must have wondered what _ever_ I meant by calling to see you,
Mr. Hilliard. I went to five or six houses before I hit on the right
one. I do wish now that I'd waited a little, but I'm always doing
things in that way and being sorry for them directly after. Eve is
my best friend, you know, and that makes me so anxious about her."

"How long have you known her?"

"Oh, ever so long--about a year."

The temptation to make another inquiry was too strong for Hilliard.

"Where has she been employed of late?"

Patty looked up at him with surprise.

"Oh, don't you know? She isn't doing anything now. The people where
she was went bankrupt, and she's been out of a place for more than a
month."

"Can't find another engagement?"

"She hasn't tried yet. She's taking a holiday. It isn't very nice
work, adding up money all day. I'm sure it would drive me out of my