Page:Gissing - The Nether World, vol. III, 1889.djvu/223

Rh “Yes, there’s nobody else. Can I come in?”

There was a shuffling sound, then the keyturned in the lock. Pennyloaf entered, and found herself in darkness. She shrank back.

“Who’s there? Is it you, mother? Is it you, Stephen?”

Some one touched her, at the same time shutting the door; and the voice whispered:

“Penny—it’s me—Bob.”

She uttered a cry, stretching out her hands. A head was leaning against her, and she bent down to lay hers against it.

“Bob! What are you doin’ here? Why are you in the dark? What’s the matter, Bob?”

“I’ve had an accident, Penny. I feel awful bad. Your mother’s gone out to buy a candle. Have they been coming after me?”

“Yes, yes. But I didn’t know you was here. I came to ask if they knew where you was. Bob! what’s happened to you? Why are you lyin’ there. Bob?”

She had folded her arms about him, and held his face to hers, sobbing, kissing him.

“It’s all up,” he gasped. “I’ve been getting worse all day. You’ll have to fetch the parish