I shake my head, let my eyelids fall; and presently, she yawns. I hear that; and am suddenly wide awake. If she will sleep, I think, I might try the doors—steal the key from her pocket! She yawns again. I begin to sweat. The clock ticks off the minutes—fifteen, twenty, twenty-five. Half an hour. I am dressed in the violet gown and white silk slippers. I have no hat, no money—never mind, never mind. Mr Hawtrey will give you that.
Sleep, Dainty. Dainty, sleep. Sleep, sleep . . . Sleep, damn you!
But she only yawns, and nods. The hour is almost up.
''Dainty,'' I say.
She jumps. ''What is it?''
''I''m afraid— I''m afraid I must visit the privy.''
She puts down her work, pulls a face. ''Must you? Right now, this minute?''
Yes.'' I place my hand on my stomach. ''I think I am sick.''
She rolls her eyes. ''Never knew a girl for sickness, like you. Is th what they call a lady''s constitution?''
''I think it must be. I''m sorry, Dainty. Will you open the door5''
''I''ll go with you, though.''~~