"Do, please? If I haven't heard anything I shall be that nervous."

They talked to no purpose for a few minutes, and bade each other
good-night.

Next day, at the hour Patty had appointed, Hilliard was again in
High Street. As he approached the shop he heard from within the
jingle of a piano. A survey through the closed glass door showed him
Miss Ringrose playing for her own amusement. He entered, and Patty
jumped up with a smile of welcome.

"It's all right! I had a letter this morning. She _has_ gone to
Dudley."

"Ah! I am glad to hear it. Any reason given?"

"Nothing particular," answered the girl, striking a note on the
piano with her forefinger. "She thought she might as well go home
for a week or two before taking another place. She has heard of
something in Holborn."

"So your alarm was groundless."

"Oh--I didn't really feel alarmed, Mr. Hilliard. You mustn't think
that. I often do silly things."

Patty's look and tone were far from reassuring. Evidently she had
been relieved from her suspense, but no less plainly did she seek to
avoid an explanation of it. Hilliard began to glance about the shop.