Then a sound close by made him start; it was the snapping of a violin string; the note reverberated through the silent shop.

But by this time the murmur of conversation had ceased, and Hilliard hoped that Patty's uncle had gone upstairs to bed.
As proved to be the case.

Presently the door opened, and a voice called to him in a whisper.

He obeyed the summons, and, not without stumbling, followed Patty into the open air.
"She hasn't come yet." "What's the time ?" "Half-past eleven.

I shall sit up for her.