The critical moment had come.
Something must be done.

But what?
Should she register and under what name?
Or, should she wait longer; and if not, where should she go?
Finally, with a desperate effort, she looked imploringly at him, and with heightened color, gasped: "No, thank you; I'll wait a little longer for my--my--brother." It was out.

The prevarication had been uttered, and Grace felt as if she had committed a crime and punishment was at hand.

Tears of distress came to her eyes; the situation was becoming intolerable.
It was just then that there came a shrill cry: "Miss Ridge!" Grace remained immovable.

The name she had inquired for a few minutes ago was called without bringing a sign or change of expression to the beautiful face, on which the wondering eyes of the clerk were fixed.