Introductions were superfluous, as the mistress of the Occidental cared little regarding ceremony.
"An' is this you, my dear ?" she burst out, endeavoring to curb her voice to secretive softness.

"Shure, Jack Keith has told me all about it, an' it's safe it is yer goin' ter be here.

Come on in; Oi'll give ye number forty-two, thet's next behint me own room, an' we'll go up the back sthairs.

Hilp the young loidy, Jack, fer shure ye know the way." She disappeared, evidently with some hospitable purpose in view, and Keith, clasping the girl's hand, undertook the delicate task of safely escorting her through the dark kitchen, and up the dimly remembered stairs.

Only a word or two passed between them, but as they neared the second story a light suddenly streamed out through the opened door of a room at their left.