"Make yourself comfortable, miss," said the woman. "It won't do
you any good to get all worked up over the matter."

"You do not understand my situation, Mrs. Goss," faltered Dora.
"If you did understand, I am sure you wouldn't keep me a prisoner
in this fashion."

"I am only obeying orders, miss. If I didn't my Bill would
almost kill me."

"Is he so harsh to you?"

"He is now. But he didn't used to be -- when he didn't drink."

"Then he drinks now?"

"Yes; twice over what is good for him."

"Where have they gone?"

"To a telegraph office."

"Didn't they say they would be back soon?"

"Yes."

Dora said no more, but sank down on the couch. Then an idea came
to her mind, and lying back she closed her eyes and pretended to
go to sleep.