IN ONE of the rooms upstairs Mary sat before the dressing table with her back to the mirror, while June and Adele occupied the two overstuffed chairs. Night sounds drifted up from the yellow canal, and fresh flower scents whispered on the warm air. The diaphanous glass curtains rustled at the open window.
"They're too expensive," Mary said. "I'm sure Miss Bestris overcharges us for them."
"Hush," said June, glancing around at the walls nervously. "Hush, Mary." She smoothed at the delicate, plutolac lace fringe above her breasts. "Imported material like this costs money. You can't get it for nothing, and we have to have the best."
"I still think she charges too much."
Adele shrugged delicately and crossed shapely ankles. "I think Miss Bestris must like you, or she wouldn't let you wear that dress again tonight. You ought to watch out that you don't get on the wrong side of her."
Mary laughed, her amethyst eyes sparkling. "I won't care. Not after tonight."
"You're not going to run away?" June asked breathlessly. "You wouldn't dare do that. You'd catch it, sure!"
Mary shook her head. "Not run away."
Adele leaned forward and said huskily, "You got enough money to redeem your contract?"
Again Mary shook her head. "No. It's nine hundred and ten dordocs. I have only ninety-three. But I'll have enough in the morning!" She stood up and crossed to the window, looked out toward the spaceport.