Sometimes Mrs. Williams, the boss's wife, would be there, and she and Dot would hold the same conversation on each occasion. The weather was fine for the time of year. Yes, a little chill in the air. Indeed a heavy coat did feel good in the evening. The shops were showing the sweetest hats. Mrs. Williams preferred hats above everything else. Dot suspected that her generalization included Mr. Williams. Mrs. Williams was always on her way to do a little shopping if only Bill would give her that money and let her go. Bill would give her that money and away she would go with a last sweet, condescending smile at Dot and a low word to her husband accompanied by a sour expression.
Dot would leave the shop then, too. She would wait till Mrs. Williams was well out of sight, however. It would be terrible if she were to think that Dot was trying to attach herself.
It was very nice to walk slowly along the uptown thoroughfare admiring a dress here, a hat there; a particularly beautiful shade of stockings in a third place. Interesting to note the expressions carried by the women who allowed themselves no glances into the shops where clothing was not sold on credit. Very nice, indeed. That is, very nice while it lasted. But once Dot came to Bim's West End. Theater and walked back on the other side as far as the Drusilla Dress Shop, she had seen everything. Then perhaps her breakfast had digested enough to allow a chocolate malted. She drank a chocolate malted and then wondered what the devil she'd do with herself.
Of course Edna could be visited at any hour of the morning, afternoon, or night, but to keep visiting Edna might suggest that marriage seemed a little bit empty. Sue Cudahy worked. Maude McLaughlin couldn't be seen before 2 p.m. and then only by appointment. There simply wasn't anything to do. Mrs. Harris solved the housework
