She mended a hole in her pocket and darned a pair of socks, and at last, anxious for advice, or at least a confidant, resolved to see Mr.Wilks.
She opened the door and looked across the alley, and saw with some satisfaction that his blind was illuminated.

She closed the door behind her sharply, and then stood gasping on the doorstep.

So simultaneous were the two happenings that it actually appeared as though the closing of the door had blown Mr.Wilks's lamp out.

It was a night of surprises, but after a moment's hesitation she stepped over and tried his door.

It was fast, and there was no answer to her knuckling.