On the dressing-table was a silver-framed clock, and a tinkling chime rang out from it, before Patty had given a thought to the hour.

Quarter-past seven! And the performance was scheduled for half-past eight.

She had waited there for Ray nearly fifteen minutes.
It was very queer.

What could have detained her?
Patty waited restlessly for five minutes longer, and then determined to go in search of Ray.

She turned the doorknob, but the door would not open! Like a flash the explanation came to her.