Літо
XV
Sheclimbedtoherroom,everystepofthestairsholdingherfastasifherfeetwerelinedwithglue.
Twodayslater,shedescendedfromthetrainatNettleton,andwalkedoutofthestationintothedustysquare.Thebriefintervalofcoldweatherwasover,andthedaywasassoft,andalmostashot,aswhensheandHarneyhademergedonthesamesceneontheFourthofJuly.Inthesquarethesamebroken-downhacksandcarry-allsstooddrawnupinadespondentline,andthelankhorseswithfly-netsovertheirwithersswayedtheirheadsdrearilytoandfro.Sherecognizedthestaringsignsovertheeating-housesandbilliardsaloons,andthelonglinesofwiresonloftypolestaperingdownthemainstreettotheparkatitsotherend.Takingthewaythewirespointed,shewentonhastily,withbenthead,tillshereachedawidetransversestreetwithabrickbuildingatthecorner.Shecrossedthisstreetandglancedfurtivelyupatthefrontofthebrickbuilding;thenshereturned,andenteredadooropeningonaflightofsteepbrass-rimmedstairs.Onthesecondlandingsherangabell,andamulattogirlwithabushyheadandafrilledapronletherintoahallwhereastuffedfoxonhishindlegsprofferedabrasscard-traytovisitors.Atthebackofthehallwasaglazeddoormarked:“Office.”Afterwaitingafewminutesinahandsomelyfurnishedroom,withplushsofassurmountedbylargegold-framedphotographsofshowyyoungwomen,Charitywasshownintotheoffice....
WhenshecameoutoftheglazeddoorDr.
