She smiled at them.
"Tell him." "You're sure of that ?" Ethel nodded.
"Very well!" "She's uneasy," thought Ethel, "and disappointed--not sure of herself.
I've done the right thing." But as in almost perfect silence they sat waiting for Joe to come home, her decision wavered again and again, and it took all her courage to hold herself in.

She made occasional trite remarks, and received replies of the same kind.

On them both the tension was growing.
"This means everything to you, too, Fanny, dear!" Ethel reflected viciously.

"If Joe believes me--you're done for!" At each slight stir that Fanny made, Ethel hoped she had lost her courage and was getting ready to go.

But Fanny stayed And as she sat there motionless, what a strong figure she grew to be, moment by moment, in Ethel's eyes--strong in spite of the life she led, of clothes, rich feeding, drinking, dancing, old age swiftly coming on.