CHAPTER XII.
A heavy footstep sounded in the passage, and Hilliard, to whose emotions was now added a sense of ludicrous indignity, heard talk between Patty and her uncle.
"You mustn't lock up yet," said the girl, "Eve is out." "What's she doing ?" "I don't know.

At the theatre with friends, I dare say." "If we'd been staying on here, that young woman would have had to look out for another lodging.

There's something I don't like about her, and if you take my advice, Patty, you'll shake her off.

She'll do you no good, my girl." They passed together into the room behind the shop, and though their voices were still audible, Hilliard could no longer follow the conversation.

He stood motionless, just where Patty had left him, with a hand resting on the top of the piano, and it seemed to him that at least half an hour went by.