Now she would find out. She would ask Blanche. They could talk aloud in
the hallway.
"Blanche, come here." A note of authority came into the woman's voice. A
girl of eighteen walking at her side turned a rouged, tear-stained face.
"Aw, don't bother me, ma. I got enough trouble."
"What was the matter with the policeman?"
"Aw, he's a boob. That's all."
"But what they arrest you for, Blanche? I knew it was a mistake. But what
they arrest you for, Blanche? I gave him $10."
"Aw, shut up! Don't bother me."
The woman shrugged her shoulders and turned to the child in her arms.
"Da-ah-ah, Paula. Mamma feed you right away. Soon we find place to sit
down. Shh, Paula! Mus'n't. Da-ah-ah--"
When she looked up Blanche had vanished. She stood still for a while and
then, holding the year-old child closer to her, walked toward the
elevator. There was nothing to see in her eyes.