I 'm -- I 'm in such trouble . '' `` I knew you were , '' said the other , with a nod of her head . `` I could tell that right off by your face . Do you know what I said to myself ? I said , ` That girl has got somebody at home awful sick . ' That 's what I said . Was I right ? '' `` Yes , indeed you were , '' said Marcella . `` I knew it '' -- another triumphant nod . `` Now , you just tell me all about it . It 'll do you good to talk it over with somebody . Here , I 'll pretend I 'm looking at shirtwaists , so that floor walker wo n't be coming down on you , and I 'll be as hard to please as that other woman was , so 's you can take your time . Who 's sick -- and what 's the matter ? '' Marcella told the whole story , choking back her sobs and forcing herself to speak calmly , having the fear of the floor walker before her eyes . `` And I ca n't afford to send Patty to the country -- I ca n't -- and I know she wo n't get better if she does n't go , '' she concluded . `` Dear , dear , but that 's too bad ! Something must be done . Let me see -- let me put on my thinking cap . What is your name ? '' `` Marcella Langley . ''
The older woman dropped the lingerie waist she was pretending to examine and stared XXXXX Marcella .
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