Station and booked to King's Cross, whence she took a cab to 194, Handel Street, W.C.
At about half-past six she returned. Prudence, who had been anxiously awaiting her, jumped up eagerly as she put her head in at the door and said, "Come into my room," in a voice full of mysteries.
Arrived in the centre of her own apartment Miss Semaphore turned round and faced her sister with much solemnity. She spoke no word and began slowly unfastening her bonnet string. The air seemed big with fate.
"Well?" gasped Miss Prudence, "did you see her? Is it all right? What was she like?"
Miss Semaphore was in no haste to answer.
"The Water—tell me quick, was it any good. Did you buy it?"
"Look," said Miss Semaphore with a wave of her hand.
The eyes of Miss Prudence followed the gesture and fell on Toutou. But was it Toutou, this transformed dog? Old, shaky, querulous, rheumatic Toutou? She went nearer. There was a jolly, bright-eyed little beast, a mere puppy, slim, young, and frisky,
