so many big churches. Michigan Central. The conductor said it went through Canada. Women were dirty, the toilet was a mess. In the scummy light of the "Women's" she looked as though she'd been punched in the eyes. Old. Hurry, hurry, so I'm not too old. The Hudson glittered. The cliffs across were romantic. Someone complained it was going to be hot. Thirsty, the drinking cups were gone. Away from the river, miles of red brick. The train was high up on a trestle, then in a tunnel. Miles. Everyone pulled down bags, wanting to be first. All out—New York.
Lucy's apartment was on a clean broad street. A solid mass of exactly spaced windows near the Grand Central Station. Tip the taximan ten cents, Clem had said. A man in plum color had given her to another in plum color and the elevator made her squeamish.
"She'll be home after the matinee, she's gone for a fittin', would you like cupa coffee an' some juice an' n'egg?" a friendly Negress asked.
"If it's not too much trouble." What did one say to a maid?
"Mek yo'seff at home, I'm goin' out. If anyone phones, say Miss Lucy won't be back until late. You don't know when an' he should leave his name."
She looked out the window, washed her dishes so as not to impose, took a long hot bath, looked out the window again at the people, bugs all of seven floors below, read Mode including the ads, Harper's Bazaar including the ads, gave up the unintelligible innuendoes of "Town Topics," filed her nails, and was rereading Black Oxen when Lucy came. Alice-blue chiffoned perfumed Lucy. A little taller and more beautiful than she remembered.
"Oh boy! I'm certainly glad you could come. I missed you. Tell me all the news. I haven't done a thing but work since I last saw you."
"I don't want to remember a thing. I just want to soak in New York."
"That's just how I felt. The first day is the most exciting."
Cleo fed them and was ready to leave for the theatre.
"That spot won't come outa yo' beige crepe."
"You take it then. I'll have to be more careful, that's the third you got this month. First thing you know I'll have to borrow from you."
"Oh Miss Lucy, yo' gonna own this town one of these days."
"That's what you say," she trilled. "Vida, let's us walk. I shouldn't have eaten so much—I hope I can make all my fouettés tonight."
