I
After this, Miss Eppendorfer was not able to make any further objection
to Frankie’s study.
“I may as well tell you now,” said Frankie, “that I shan’t--I couldn’t
stay with you after you’re married to that man.”
“But it won’t be for a long time,” Miss Eppendorfer protested.
A very long time indeed! Dimly, in her muddled head, she realised how
much she wanted and needed Frankie, even foresaw the day when Mr. Kurt
Hassler would go the way of other men to whom she had been so generous,
and she would be quite alone. She tried to bribe her not to learn
shorthand, she didn’t want her to be able to find another place; she
said it would tire her, hurt her eyes, everything she could imagine.
Frances was firm.
“You’re not alone in the evenings now,” she said, “and I’ve got to think
of my own future.”
“I’ll always look after you----”
“I don’t want to be looked after, thank you. Please don’t be
unreasonable!”
Miss Eppendorfer cried a little and consented.