She would have done better if she had not secured a position so quickly, and had seen more of the city which she constantly troubled to know about.
On the first morning it rained she found that she had no umbrella.
Minnie loaned her one of hers, which was worn and faded.

There was the kind of vanity in Carrie that troubled at this.

She went to one of the great department stores and bought herself one, using a dollar and a quarter of her small store to pay for it.
"What did you do that for, Carrie ?" asked Minnie when she saw it.
"Oh, I need one," said Carrie.
"You foolish girl." Carrie resented this, though she did not reply.

She was not going to be a common shop-girl, she thought; they need not think it, either.
On the first Saturday night Carrie paid her board, four dollars.

Minnie had a quaver of conscience as she took it, but did not know how to explain to Hanson if she took less.