She had had no schooling and when she grew up it seemed a poor way to spend the time reading, when you might be talking.

Somebody always told you what was in the newspapers, and if you wanted to know anything else, why, where was your tongue?
She examined the paper again, but it conveyed no meaning to her anxious eyes.
And then in a flash she saw Miss Perkins in a new light, The woman's anxiety about her was a blind to save her money from dribbling out in petty loans.

Mrs Yabsley, knowing that banks were only traps, still hid her money so carefully that no one could lay hands on it.

So that was the root of her care for Mrs Yabsley's appearance.

She held up the note, and regarded it with a grimly humorous smile.