Suddenly he flung the door wide and fled, leaving me exposed to the full gaze of the girl.

To my horror it was Elsie Duff! She was just approaching the door, her eyes streaming with tears, and her sweet face white with agony.

I stood unable to move or speak.

She turned away without a word, and began again to busy herself with the old woman, who lay on the ground not two yards from the door.

I heard a heavy step approaching.