She had not realised that before, but now with the illumination of the lighted street behind her she realised it.

The cat was the spirit of the chapel watching her, spying upon her to see that she did not escape.

The cat knew that she had posted her letter and to whom she had posted it.

She advanced to the bottom of the stair and said: "Brr.

You horrid thing! I hate you!" and instantly the two fiery eyes had vanished, but now in their place the whole house seemed to be watching, so silent and attentive was it--and the odour of damp biscuits and wet umbrellas seemed to be everywhere.
Just then old Martha came out with a lamp in her hand, and standing upon a chair, lit the great ugly gas over the middle of the door.
"Why, Miss Maggie," she said in her soft, surprised whisper, looking as she always did, beyond the girl, into darkness.
"I've been out," said Maggie, defiantly.
"Not all alone, miss ?" "All alone," said Maggie.