“Free?” repeated Gloria.
“Yes. I could do it whilst you’re in class, but I like to keep these new curtains well shook and that makes considerable flare around. Ain’t they pretty?”
“Very.”
“Then, jest pick up your precious stuff, I allus calls the little things precious, and whilst you’re out this afternoon—you will be out?”
“Yes.”
“Whilst you’re both out I clean. I allus thinks this is the prettiest ‘sweet’ in the house. Ain’t it now?”
Gloria was hurrying before the wavering broom. Her “precious stuff” would be easily gathered and then she might escape from Maggie’s gossip.
“About the hairpins now, where shall I put them?”
“Oh, keep them,” smiled Gloria. “You see I never use any.”
“That’s so. Ain’t I stupid. Since the bobbs came in it seems to me that hairpins is harder to get. Stores even, don’t allus carry them.” She retrieved a brown lock of hair that was trying to get down her back. “And my hair’s such a nuisance. You don’t wear nets either?”