To his surprise it was Miss Green.
"May I come in ?" asked Shirley.
"Certainly, by all means.

Sit down." He drew up a chair for her, and his manner was so cordial that it was easy to see she was a welcome visitor.
"Mr.Ryder," she began in a low, tremulous voice, "I have come to see you on a very important matter.

I've been waiting to see you all evening--and as I shall be here only a short time longer I--want to ask you a great favour--perhaps the greatest you were ever asked--I want to ask you for mercy--for mercy to--" She stopped and glanced nervously at him, but she saw he was paying no attention to what she was saying.

He was puffing heavily at his cigar, entirely preoccupied with his own thoughts.

Her sudden silence aroused him.