Out of the Past — page 158: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

Out of the Past. 155 ‘Never mind, child,” cried Robert. “If I had seriously doubted you I would have said nothing. I have trusted you in giving this warning.” “I understand, monsieur. But you might have 3? known Robert meant to say something comforting, but Babette had rushed off in a way he remembered from the old days. In his absence Rose prepared her lists and passed a busy day. In the afternoon she was surprised to hear an alter- cation at the door. Babette’s voice in a passion could not be mistaken. “Tf you put your foot on the sill I’ll squeeze it flat. Monsieur is not at home, and you cannot see madame. I told you that ten minutes ago. No—you cannot see madame.” “What is it?” asked Rose from above. “A beggar.” “Then shut the door.” Looking over the bannister she saw an evil face peering in through the narrow opening Babette had left. “But his hand is in the way, madame.” “Shut it,” said Rose, quietly. The hand quickly slid out and Babette locked the door and leaned against it, panting. CORNICLOOOKXS.: