Her room-mate fidgeted about, walked away, fiddled with her hair before the dull little mirror at the dresser.

At length she turned.
"Sis," said she, "it ain't no news.

I know, and I've knew it.

I got to talk some sense to you." The dark glasses turned her way, unwaveringly, bravely.
"You're going to lose your job, Sis, as soon as the Christmas rush is over," Annie finished.

She saw the sudden shudder which passed through the straight figure beside the stove.
"Oh, I know it's hard, but it's the truth.