When London Sleeps — page 202: what you’re looking at

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

FOR DEAR LIFE’S SAKE. 197 the plot was gradually being woven which was to involve her in more deadly peril than any she had as — yet experienced. ‘ Oueentie !”? She turned with a start, brought back from heaven to earth. ‘“Who’s there?’ “It’s only me, dear,’’ said Mrs. Jones’ pleasant voice. ‘‘I’m so glad you’ve not gone to bed yet. There’s a very iinpudent-looking person in the hall who wants to see you. She has Hilda Corrode’s child with her. ‘The idea of coming at this time of night!’ ‘*Whoever can it be?’ exclaimed Queenie in sur- prise. ‘‘Let her come in.”’ ‘“Very well, dear. Don’t let her stay long, and then I?ll go to bed, for I’m clean tuckered out.”’ A minute or two afterward, Maudie de Frere, ap- peared, leading little Leila by the hand. The little girl at once ran to the ‘‘pretty lady.’ Queenie kissed her tenderly, and then turning to the gaudily-dressed girl who had accompanied her, asked, courteously: “You bring a message, I presume ?”’’ ‘Ves,’ replied Maudie, feeling a strange sense of shame in the presence of this girl with her pure, high-bred face, ‘‘from Hilda. Her child is in danger. She knows no one but you to send it to for safety, and if you will keep Leila here she will write you to-morrow.” ‘“‘Certainly,’’ replied Queenie, cordially. “‘You can say I shall be glad to have her.’’ comicboo ‘s.com |