“Joss-sticks,” she said. “The place got so close and stuffy, and I found them in the pantry with the provisions. As a matter of fact, it was a silly thing to do, because we had the place full of smoke. It’s gone now, though. Monty, you do these crazy things when you’re locked up,” she said seriously. “I don’t think I can go back again.”
“Go back to-morrow,” he almost pleaded. “It’s only for two or three days, and it means a lot to me. Especially now that Oberzohn has ideas.”
“You’re not going to think any more about—about marrying her, are you?”
“We’ll talk of it to-night at dinner. I thought you’d like the idea of the graft,” he added untruthfully.
Joan had to return to her prison to collect some of her belongings. She found the girl lying on the bed, reading, and Mirabelle greeted her with a smile.
“Well, is your term of imprisonment ended?”
Joan hesitated.
“Not exactly. Do you mind if I’m not here to-night?”
Mirabelle shook her head. If the truth be told, she was glad to be alone. All that day she had been forced to listen to the plaints and weepings of this transfigured girl, and she felt that she could not well stand another twenty-four hours.
“You’re sure you won’t mind being alone?