Kitty gasped, but she did not cry out. The five days' growth of blondish
stubble, the discoloured eye--for all the orb itself was brilliant--and
the hawky nose combined to send through her the first great thrill of
danger she had ever known.
Slowly she backed away from the window. The man outside immediately
extended his hands with a gesture that a child would have understood.
Supplication. Kitty paused, naturally. But did the man mean it? Might it
not be some trick to lure her into opening the window? And what was he
doing outside there anyhow? Her mind, freed from the initial hypnosis
of the encounter, began to work quickly. If she ran from the kitchen to
call for help he might be gone when she returned, only to come back when
she was again alone.
Once more the man executed that gesture, his palms upward. It was Latin;
she was aware of that, for she was always encountering it in the halls.
Another gesture. She understood this also. The tips of the fingers
bunched and dabbed at the lips. She had seen Italian children make the
gesture and cry: "Ho fame!" Hungry. But she could not let him into the
kitchen. Still, if he were honestly hungry--She had it!
In the kitchen-table drawer was an imitation revolver--press the
trigger, and a fluted fan was revealed--a dance favour she had received
during the winter.
She plucked it out of the drawer and walked bravely to the window, which
she threw up.
"What do you want? What are you doing out there on the fire escape?" she
instantly demanded to know.
"My word, I am hungry! I was looking out of the window across the way
and saw you preparing your dinner. A bit of bread and a glass of milk.
Would you mind, I wonder?"
"Why didn't you come to the door then? What window?" Kitty was resolute;
once she embarked upon an enterprise.
"That one."
"Where is Mr. Gregory?" Kitty recalled that odd letter.
"Gregory? I should very much like to know. I have come many miles to
see him. He sent me a duplicate key. There was not even a crust in the
cupboard."
Gregory away? That letter! Something had happened to that poor, kindly
old man. "Why did you not seek some restaurant? Or have you no money?"
"I have plenty. I was afraid that I might not be able conveniently to
return. I am a stranger. My actions might be viewed with suspicion."
"Indeed! Describe Mr. Gregory."