On the fourth day, at noon, Jasper heard steps ascending the stairs. He supposed it to be the old man, with his dinner, and he looked up listlessly as the sliding-door was opened. But instead of the wrinkled face of Nathan he beheld the fresh face of a young girl, apparently about sixteen years of age. She regarded the prisoner with curiosity and surprise.
"Here's your dinner," she said.
"Thank you," said Jasper. "Where is the old man that generally comes up?"
"Uncle Nathan? Oh, he's gone out for a little while."
"He's your uncle, then?"
"Yes."
"Do you live here?"
"I've only just come. He sent for me. What do they keep you here for?" she asked, her face expressing curiosity. "Are you sick?"
"I'm sick of being cooped up here."
"Then why do you stay?"