She carried a small cloth bag.

She started, on seeing Joan, and seemed about to retreat.
"Oh, please don't go," cried Joan.

"Mrs.Stopperton has just gone round to the doctor's.

She won't be long.

I'm a friend of hers." The girl took stock of her and, apparently reassured, closed the door behind her.
"What's he like to-night ?" she asked, with a jerk of her head in the direction of the next room.