“No—it may last for months; but I often get an afternoon off when her sister comes to stay with her. She likes me to clear out sometimes, so that she can tell her sister how awful I am.”
“Doesn’t she like you, Pem?”
“Oh, pretty well; but she doesn’t really like anybody but herself. That’s what’s the matter with her. She’s got everything on earth—money, and friends, and a wonderful husband. Lend me some of your powder, Nickie?”
“Powder? Going out again now, Pem?”
Pem nodded.
“Who with?”
“With a man,” said Pem, laughing. “Don’t faint!”
“Of course it’s not my business,” observed Nickie, “but it—it isn’t the husband, is it?”
She waited a long time for an answer.
“I wish you’d tell me, Pem. I always tell you things.”