‘You look it,’ said Judith. ‘Go to bed.’
‘I’ll get undressed.’ Jennifer passed a hand across her forehead and sighed.
The woman by the fireplace fitted a cigarette into an amber holder slowly, and lit it.
‘I’m not sleepy yet,’ she said. ‘I’ll wait till you’re in bed and come and tuck you up.’
‘This room feels——’ cried Jennifer staring around her in horror. She dashed to the window and flung it wide open; then disappeared into her bedroom; and there was not another sound from her.
The woman started singing to herself very low, as if forgetful of Judith’s presence; then broke off to say:
‘I like your kimono.’
Judith wrapped the long red and blue silk garment more closely round her hips.
‘Yes. It was brought me from Japan. I gave Jennifer one. A purple one.’
‘Oh, that one. She’s lent it to me. I forgot to bring a dressing-gown.’