Reaching the block of tenements which had been Ida's home, he sought out the porter.

When the door opened at his knock, the first face that greeted him was that of Grim, who had pushed between the man's legs and was peering up, as if in search of some familiar aspect.
From the porter he learned that the police had made that afternoon an inspection of Ida's rooms, though with what result was not known.

The couple had clearly formed their own opinion as to Waymark's interest in the accused girl, but took the position in a very matter-of-fact way, and were eager to hear more than they succeeded in getting out of the police.
"My main object in coming," Waymark explained, "was to look after her cat.

I see you have been good enough to anticipate me." "The poor thing takes on sadly," said the woman.

"Of course I shouldn't have known nothing if the hofficers hadn't come, and it 'ud just have starved to death.