being so sleepy when I did it.”

“And that is all you thought about it, Lois?”

“How can one think when half asleep’’

“Here is your rose,” I said angrily. “I will take my ring again.”

She opened her grey eyes at that.

“Lord!” she murmured in an innocent and leisurely surprise. “You have it still, my rose? Are roses scarce where you inhabit, sir? For if you find the flower so rare and curious I would not rob you of it — no!” And, bending, soaked and soaped another shirt.

“Why do you mock me, Lois?”

“I! Mock you! La! Sir, you surely jest.”