, in the great majority of
cases she has really no information to give.

The door closed with that severity of exclusion in which London doors
excel, and Hilliard turned despondently away. He was just consoling
himself with the thought that Eve would probably, before long,
communicate her new address to the friends at Dudley, and by that means
he might hear of it, when a dirty-faced little girl, who had stood
within earshot while he was talking, and who had followed him to the
end of the street, approached him with an abrupt inquiry.

"Was you asking for Miss Madeley, Sir?"

"Yes, I was; do you know anything of her?"

"My mother did washing for her, and when she moved I had to take some
things of hers to the new address."

"Then you remember it?"

"It's a goodish way from 'ere, Sir. Shall I go with you?"

Hilliard understood. Like the good Samaritan of old, he took out
twopence. The face of the dirty little girl brightened wonderfully.

"Tell me the address; that will be enough."

"Do you know Gower Place, Sir?"

"Somewhere near Gower Street, I suppose?"

His supposition was confirmed, and he learnt the number of the house to
which Miss Madeley had transferred herself. In that direction he at
once bent his steps.

Gower Place is in the close neighbourhood of Euston Road; Hilliard
remembered that he had passed the end of it on his first arrival in
London, when he set forth from Euston Station to look for a lodging. It
was a mere chance that he had not turned into this very street, instead
of going further. Several windows displayed lodging-cards. On the
whole, it looked a better locality than Belmont Street. Eve's removal
hither might signify an improvement of circumstances.

The house which he sought had a clean doorstep and unusually bright
windows. His knock was answered quickly, and by a young, sprightly
woman, who smiled upon him.

"I believe Miss Madeley lives here?"

"Yes, she does."

"She is not at home just now?"

"No. She went out after breakfast, and I'm sure I can't say when she'll
be back."

Hilliard felt a slight wonder at this uncertainty. The young woman,
observing his expression, added with vivacious friendliness:

"Do you want to see her on business?"

"No; a private matter."

This occasioned a smirk.

"Well, she hasn't any regular hours at present. Sometimes she comes to
dinner, sometimes she doesn't. Sometimes she comes to tea, but just as
often she isn't 'ome till late.