A moment of indecision was followed by quick action.

She had noticed that she had been invariably addressed as Miss Campbell by every one who had come into the room.

Whether this was a proof of the care with which she had been guarded from the curiosity of strangers, or whether it was part of a system of deception springing from quite different causes, she felt that in the present emergency it was a fact to be thankful for and to be utilised.
Regaining her own room, which was on the other side of their common sitting-room, she collected a few necessary articles, and placed them in a bag which she thrust under her bed.

Hunting for money, she found quite an adequate amount in her own purse, which was attached to her person.
Satisfied thus far, she chose her most inconspicuous hat and coat, and putting them on, went out by her own door into the corridor.
The time--it was the dinner-hour--favoured her attempt.

She found her way to the office unobserved, and, going frankly up to the clerk, informed him that she had some telegrams to send and that she would be out for some little time.