Rice had put the skeleton hand
under a coverlet which was drawn to the sick girl's chin. He sat beside
her on one of the brocaded drawing-room chairs, his head resting against
the high back and his crossed feet stretched toward the window, in an
attitude of his own which expressed quiescent power. Peggy went directly
behind the screens, determined to pounce upon the woman who prolonged
their stay in a flooded house, and deal with her as there would not be
opportunity to do later. Tante-gra'mere was asleep.
Angelique sat down with Peggy on the floor, a little way from the pile
of feather beds. They were very weary. The tonic of excitement, and even
of Rice Jones's presence, failed in their effect on Peggy. It was past
midnight. The girls heard cocks crowing along the bluffs. Angelique took
the red head upon her shoulder, saying,--
"It would be better if we slept until they call, since there is nothing
else to do."
"You might coquette over Maria Jones. I won't tell."
"What a thorn you are, Peggy! If I did not know the rose that goes with
it"--Angelique did not state her alternative.
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