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self. She had seen nothing of Marsh since the evening she had walked home with him from the Fords; and had heard nothing, except the fact that he had been up the coast buying cattle.

The rush of business was over before five. At half past the shop would be closing; and Mrs. Hill had already gone, and Ruth was putting on her hat preparatory to taking her departure, when a belated customer entered. Ann, alone in the showroom, moved forward to meet the newcomer. After three days of stormy weather it had been a gray, showery afternoon, and now twilight was falling. Ann’s hand went out towards the electric switch.

“Don’t turn on the lights,” said the other woman, in a swift, low voice. “Are you alone?”

It was Vera!

Ann stood perfectly still and rigid for a few seconds.

“I’ll get rid of my assistant,” she said.

She passed through the door into her own room, and after a moment or two emerged with Ruth.

“Shan’t I stay to lock up?” asked the girl.

“Oh, no! I can manage,” returned Ann, her voice perfectly normal and business-like. “I want that ribbon from Bletchley’s, particularly. You’ll have to hurry to get there before they close. Don’t come back with it. It’ll do in the morning. Good night.”

Ruth passed out of the shop, and Ann shut the outer door, and returning closed the inner door as well.

Vera was standing where she had left her, with her back to the entrance. She was picking up hats and putting them down.