There was a good deal to tell when she got home that night. Her mother wanted all the details of Miss Witherspoon's appearance, and after a lengthy description, ventured her opinion of the newcomer's laundry value. "I reckon she don' wear any o' dem crinkly gowns an' chemises dat you do up yoursel'. Dey matches de folks wid der money bangin' agin der knees in der petticoat pockets. Did she duck down, dearie, ter git her purse?"
"No, Mammy," Hertha answered.
"But she'll be de keerful kin', allus 'memberin' ter tak' off a white skirt if it begin ter rain, an' half de time dryin' her han'chiefs on de winder-pane. Dat's de kin' as comes here. It takes de hotel folks ter make a payin' business."
"She's younger than our boarders usually are, anyway," Hertha said. "Not that she's young but she looks so."
"Everybody looks young these days," Ellen remarked; "or if they don't they let you know they're trying to."
"Was dere laughin' an' carr'in' on at de table?"
"Yes, a little. Yes, Mammy, I think she's entertaining."
"Dat's good. I hope she 'spectin' ter stay de winter."
"I think not, Mammy. I think she's to leave next month."
"Dat's too bad. Ef I was Miss Patty I'd hab some nice gal or udder heah all de time ter keep Mister Lee company. If dey don't gib him a good time he'll up an' leab de family an' de orange an' grapefruit business. Dere ain't nottin' a boy needs so much as de right kin' ob a lil' gal ter play wid."