Page:Gissing - The Nether World, vol. II, 1889.djvu/212

 letter and went out to the post. Her presence at the theatre would not be necessary for another two hours, but as the distance was slight, and nervousness would not let her remain at home, she walked on to make inquiry concerning Grace’s news. Rain had just begun to fall, and with it descended the smut and grime that darkened above the houses; the pavement was speedily over-smeared with sticky mud, and passing vehicles flung splashes in every direction. Odours of oil and shoddy, and all such things as characterised the town, grew more pungent under the heavy shower. On reaching the stage-door, Clara found two or three of her companions just within; the sudden departure of Miss Walcott had become known to every one, and at this moment Mr. Peel was holding a council, to which, as the doorkeeper testified. Miss Danver had been summoned.

The manager decided to make no public announcement of what had happened before the hour came for drawing up the curtain.