Mrs.Conisbee said she had gone out at eleven in the morning, and with the intention of returning by teatime.

After a brief hesitation Monica requested the landlady to deliver a message.
'Please ask her not to come to Herne Hill until she hears from me, as I am not likely to be at home for a day or two.' This left more time at her disposal than she knew how to employ.

She returned to the railway station, and travelled on to Victoria; there, in the corner of a waiting-room, she sat, feverishly impatient, until her watch told her that she might take the next train westward.
A possible danger was before her--though perhaps she need not trouble herself with the thought of such dangers.

What if Mr.Barfoot happened to encounter her as she ascended the stairs?
But most likely he had no idea that her female friends, who dwelt on the floor above him, were gone away.

Did it matter what he might think?
In a day or two-- She came to the street, approached the block of flats, involuntarily casting anxious glances about her.