"Did you notice the women?
They were afraid to snub me while they thought I was going to get the money--afterward they scuttled off as if I had the plague." Gerty remained silent, and she continued: "I stayed on to see what would happen.

They took their cue from Gwen Stepney and Lulu Melson--I saw them watching to see what Gwen would do .-- Gerty, I must know just what is being said of me." "I tell you I don't listen----" "One hears such things without listening." She rose and laid her resolute hands on Miss Farish's shoulders.

"Gerty, are people going to cut me ?" "Your FRIENDS, Lily--how can you think it ?" "Who are one's friends at such a time?
Who, but you, you poor trustful darling?
And heaven knows what YOU suspect me of!" She kissed Gerty with a whimsical murmur.

"You'd never let it make any difference--but then you're fond of criminals, Gerty! How about the irreclaimable ones, though?
For I'm absolutely impenitent, you know." She drew herself up to the full height of her slender majesty, towering like some dark angel of defiance above the troubled Gerty, who could only falter out: "Lily, Lily--how can you laugh about such things ?" "So as not to weep, perhaps.

But no--I'm not of the tearful order.