We can look through the side-lights at the door first." Mrs.Leighton fearfully led the way from the back chamber where they bad been sitting, and slowly descended the stairs.

Alma came behind and turned up the hall gas-jet with a sudden flash that made them both jump a little.

The gas inside rendered it more difficult to tell who was on the threshold, but Mrs.Leighton decided from a timorous peep through the scrims that it was a lady and gentleman.

Something in this distribution of sex emboldened her; she took her life in her hand, and opened the door.
The lady spoke.

"Does Mrs.Leighton live heah ?" she said, in a rich, throaty voice; and she feigned a reference to the agent's permit she held in her hand.
"Yes," said Mrs.Leighton; she mechanically occupied the doorway, while Alma already quivered behind her with impatience of her impoliteness.
"Oh," said the lady, who began to appear more and more a young lady, "Ah didn't know but Ah had mistaken the hoase.