“I go along there and have an argument with three guys, and instead of finding you I run into Blondie again. She also is on her way out of town. Then I run into you, and I guess that’s where I stop.” I sat back with a sigh of relief.
Mardi said: “I believe I can help you. There are a lot of things I couldn’t understand which now I think I could fit into the puzzle.”
“Suppose we look at it from this angle ” I began.
She smiled at me. “Could it wait until to-morrow?” she asked. “I’m so tired. Look at the time. I feel as if I shall go to sleep right here in this chair.”
I got up quickly. “Sure,” I said. “I guess I’m over-anxious. You get some sleep.. We can talk over what you’re goin’ to do and all about this business to-morrow.”
She got out of the chair slowly and stretched. Standing there in front of the electric stove, the strong reflection of the elements outlining her legs through her dress, her grand little head back, and her arms raised a little, she looked good. I wanted to put my arms round her. It was tough going not to start anything.
I said: “Through there is the bedroom. You go ahead. You get some sleep.”
She said sleepily: “Can I borrow things from you?”
I went ahead of her and fished out a pair of my pyjamas and my dressing-gown. I tossed them on the bed.
She came in and stood watching me. “It’s nice of you,” she said, “giving up your bed. Do you mind an awful lot?”