Page:The Breath of Scandal (1922).djvu/67

 ten feet from the flats on both sides. The first floor was lighted; the second dark; the third lighted. The car with red tail-light was standing before this number and a chauffeur in uniform paced up and down, striking his hands together in the cold. Gregg drew up behind the waiting car and Billy got out, helped Marjorie out and clasped her arm as she turned toward the building. The chauffeur approached them; and Marjorie said:

"You're Doctor Grantham's driver?"

"Yes."

"I'm Miss Hale; do you know how my father is?"

"No, miss."

"How long has the doctor been here?"

"About fifteen minutes."

"Which flat are they in?"

"The third floor, miss."

Marjorie made for the building. "You coming?" she called nervously to Gregg, who was still in the car, leaning forward.

"Lost my wheel key," Gregg said; and Billy impatiently left Marjorie and stepped back to him.

"You take her in that front door, Bill; ring there and wait," Gregg directed. "Don't disturb anybody else if they don't let you in at once. Maybe they're operating on him now."

"What're you going to do?"

"I'm going around the back and try to find out what's happened and how he is. Maybe, if it's bad, I'd better try to prepare"

Billy's big frame was shaking visibly. "Maybe, Gregg," he agreed. "I understand. All right." He hurried toward the building to catch Marjorie who, unable to wait, was opening the entrance door.