Rosie opened with no preliminary remarks. "Say, Jarge, can you lend me twenty-five cents until tomorrow night? You know I get paid tomorrow."
"Sure, Rosie. What for?"
"I want to go to the Dog Show matinée."
George paused a moment. "But, Rosie, you don't need twenty-five cents for that. You told me it was ten cents."
"I know, Jarge, but I want to take Jackie and Janet."
"Why, Rosie!"
"Well, if I don't, poor Janet'll never get there. She never gets anywhere. You know her father boozes every cent. And I just got to take Jackie if I go myself. Besides, he'll only cost me five cents and that will let me use the nickel Terry gave me for peanuts."
"But, Rosie,"—George cleared his throat—"I thought you were saving every penny. You know you can't save and spend at the same time."
"I'm not saving any more." Rosie spoke quietly, evenly.
"Not saving any more! What do you mean, Rosie? What's happened?"