Clover, you've come here to see Polly, and you've a right to
see Polly, and by jorrocks you shall see Polly! Follow me upstairs.
I've said all that need be said; now to business."
They ascended; Gammon three steps at a stride, the others in a hurry
and a flutter. Light streamed from the Cheesemans' room; the
first-floor lodgers; incapable any longer of self-restraint, were
out on the landing. On the next floor it was dark, but Mr. Gammon
saw a gleam along the bottom of Polly's door. He knocked--the knock
of a policeman armed with a warrant.
"Miss Sparkes!"
"Oh, it's you this time, is it? Come just to say good night? You
needn't have put yourself out."
"Miss Sparkes, are you in your proper dress?"
"What d'you mean?" Polly answered resentfully. "You've been drinking
again, I suppose."
"Not at all, my dear. I asked you for a good and sufficient reason.
I'm going to break your door open, that's all, and I wish to give
you fair warning. Are you dressed or not?"
"Impudent wretch! What are you doing here? What business is it of
yours?"
"I'm the only strong man handy, that's all.
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