And so you just go along now,
Melanctha Herbert, you hear me, and I don't never wish no harm to come
to you."
Rose Johnson went into her house and closed the door behind her.
Melanctha stood like one dazed, she did not know how to bear this blow
that almost killed her. Slowly then Melanctha went away without even
turning to look behind her.
Melanctha Herbert was all sore and bruised inside her. Melanctha had
needed Rose always to believe her, Melanctha needed Rose always to let
her cling to her, Melanctha wanted badly to have somebody who could
make her always feel a little safe inside her, and now Rose had sent
her from her. Melanctha wanted Rose more than she had ever wanted all
the others. Rose always was so simple, solid, decent, for her. And now
Rose had cast her from her. Melanctha was lost, and all the world went
whirling in a mad weary dance around her.
Melanctha Herbert never had any strength alone ever to feel safe
inside her. And now Rose Johnson had cast her from her, and Melanctha
could never any more be near her. Melanctha Herbert knew now, way
inside her, that she was lost, and nothing any more could ever help
her.
Melanctha went that night to meet Jem Richards who had promised to be
at the old place to meet her. Jem Richards was absent in his manner to
her. By and by he began to talk to her, about the trip he was going
to take soon, to see if he could get some luck back in his betting.
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