“Of course not.” Ellen leaned to give her a little pecking kiss. Cassandra Wilkins was very pale and there was a nervous quiver about her eyelids. “You can give me some advice. I’m just getting my curtains up.... Look do you think that purple goes all right with the gray wall? It looks kind of funny to me.”
“I think it’s beautiful. What a beautiful woom. How happy you’re going to be here.”
“Put that chafingdish down on the floor and sit down. I’ll make some tea. There’s a kind of bathroom kitchenette in the alcove there.”
“You’re sure it wouldn’t be too much twouble?”
“Of course not.... But Cassie what’s the matter?”
“Oh everything.... I came down to tell you but I cant. I cant ever tell anybody.”
“I’m so excited about this apartment. Imagine Cassie it’s the first place of my own I ever had in my life. Daddy wants me to live with him in Passaic, but I just felt I couldn’t.”
“And what does Mr. Oglethorpe...? Oh but that’s
impertinent of me.... Do forgive me Elaine. I’m almost cwazy. I don’t know what I’m saying.”
“Oh Jojo’s a dear. He’s even going to let me divorce him if I want to.... Would you if you were me?” Without waiting for an answer she disappeared between the folding doors. Cassie remained hunched up on the edge of the couch.