It was a serve setback to her recently pleased mental state.
Now she walked quite aimlessly for a time, turning here and there, seeing one great company after another, but finding no courage to prosecute her single inquiry.

High noon came, and with it hunger.

She haunted out unassuming restaurant and entered, but was disturbed to find the prices were exorbitant for the size of her purse.

A bowl of soup was all that she could afford, and with this quickly eaten, she went out again.

It restored her strength somewhat and made her moderately bold to pursue the search.
In walking a few blocks to fix upon some probable place, she again encountered the firm of Storm and King, and this time managed to get in.
Some gentlemen were conferring close at hand, but took no notice of her.
She was left standing, gazing nervously upon the floor.