It was nine o'clock when Ruby went up-stairs,--and then Mrs. Pipkin locked both the front door and the area gate. Mrs. Hurtle had come home on the previous day. "You won't be wanting to go out to-night;--will you, Mrs. Hurtle?" said Mrs. Pipkin, knocking at her lodger's door. Mrs. Hurtle declared her purpose of remaining at home all the evening. "If you should hear words between me and my niece, don't you mind, ma'am."
"I hope there's nothing wrong, Mrs. Pipkin?"

It was nine o'clock when Ruby went upstairs; and Mrs. Pipkin locked both the front door and the area gate. Mrs. Hurtle had come home on the previous day.
"You won't be wanting to go out tonight, will you, Mrs. Hurtle?" Mrs. Pipkin asked her. Mrs. Hurtle declared her intention of remaining at home all evening.
"If you should hear words between me and my niece, don't you mind, ma'am."
"I hope there's nothing wrong, Mrs. Pipkin?"
