might have spent there. I rose, reluctantly,
and nodded for the matron to free me. I looked at Selina. I said we would talk
more, next time—she nodded. She still chafed at her throat, and when Mrs Jelf
saw her doing that her kind eyes clouded, she ushered me past her into the
passage, then went to Selina''s side. She said, ''What is it? Are you ill? Shall I fetch
the surgeon to you?''
I stood and watched her move Selina so that the dim light from the gas-jet fell
upon her face; and as I did that, I heard
my name spoken, and looked to the gate of the neighbouring cell to see Nash, the
coiner, there.
''You are still with us then, miss?'' she said. Then she jerked her head towards
Selina''s cell and said, in a soft, exaggerated sort of way: ''I thought she might have
magicked you off—had them spooks of hers take you, or make you a frog or a mouse.''
She gave a shudder. ''Oh, them spooks! Did you know she has them visiting her in
there, at night? I hear them come to her cell. I hear her talking to them, and
sometimes laughing— sometimes, weeping. I tell you, miss, I would for all the
world then that I was in any cell but this, hearing them ghosts'' voices in the quiet
of the night.'' She shuddered again, and grimaced. She might I suppose have been
teasing, as she had teased me once over her counterfeit coins; but she did not laugh.