Then she went out into the corridor and listened, and then, smoothing her face, she slipped downstairs, past the door of that hateful room, and reappeared before the clerk with a smiling but somewhat pale and languid face.

She had found the room very comfortable, but it was doubtful whether she would stay over night or go on to Hymettus.

Had anybody been inquiring for her?
She expected to meet friends.

No! And her escort--the gentleman who came with her--was possibly in the billiard-room or the bar?
"Oh no! He was gone," said the clerk.
"Gone!" echoed Mrs.Barker.

"Impossible! He was--he was here only a moment ago." The clerk rang a bell sharply.