‘Oh!’ he said. ‘Omigosh. You came straight here—you haven’t been in your room yet.’
‘No. What on earth are you—’
He said, actually blushing, ‘I wish she’d told you about it rather than me. Well, I suddenly had to see you, but bad. So I steamed across the hall and charged in, never dreaming there would be anyone but you there, and here I am halfway across the room before I could even stop, and there stood this friend of yours.’
‘Who? Hip, for heaven’s sake—’
‘The woman. Had to be someone you know, Janie. Burglars aren’t likely to prance around naked.’
Janie put a slow hand up to her mouth.
‘A coloured woman. Girl. Young.’
‘Did she… what did she…’
‘I don’t know what she did. I didn’t get but a flash glimpse of her—if that’s any comfort to her. I hightailed right out of there. Aw, Janie, I’m sorry. I know it’s sort of embarrassing, but it can’t be that bad. Janie!’ he cried in alarm.
‘He’s found us… We’ve got to get out of here,’ she whispered. Her lips were nearly white; she was shaking. ‘Come on, oh, come on! ’