Instantly the sobs ceased and the room became still.

Kate put her lips to the crack and said in her off-hand way: "It's only a school-marm, rooming next you.

If you're ill, could I get anything for you ?" "Will you please come in ?" asked a muffled voice.
Kate turned the knob, and stepping inside, closed the door after her.
She could dimly see her way to the dresser, where she found matches and lighted the gas.

On the bed lay in a tumbled heap a tiny, elderly, Dresden-china doll-woman.

She was fully dressed, even to her wrap, bonnet, and gloves; one hand clutched her side, the other held a handkerchief to her lips.