A Secret Service by Fred M. White — Read

Meanwhile Ida waited in the house by the river uncertain how to act, anxious as to the immediate future. It seemed to be years since she had set out on her errand to Grosvenor-Square. Yet, only a few hours since she was alone in the world, wondering whence her next meal would come and where she should find shelter for her head. So far the fates had not been altogether unkind. She had saved herself from the dreadful catastrophe, and had a feeling that she had made a powerful friend. She was, however, still dubious whether Valerie Brune had deliberately drawn her into this peril or not, but inclined to think that this mysterious woman meant her no harm. By this time she was past feeling anything in the way of surprise, and fear had long since left her altogether. Whatever happened, neither her father nor Wilfred Avis must see her here. That the two were planning something mean and dishonorable she did not need to be told. More than once in the past she had suspected that they were banded together for some illegal purpose. She was glad she had left her old home and had decided to face the world boldly. In any case it was her duty to see that right was done. It was doubly her duty now when the man she loved was in peril of his life. For the moment she would postpone escape by the dingy staircase. Under the friendly cover of the darkness she might hear something which could be turned to advantage later. She trembled from head to foot, but not with fear, and strained every nerve to hear what was going on in the bedroom.

"It's a nice muddle," Avis growled. "It's a rotten risk to take, especially when you get no result."