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第9章 差不多了

　　"Good," said Mr. Quincel.

　　Carrie felt deeply grateful for this. She almost loved Lola forthe sympathy and praise she extended. It was so helpful to her--so almost necessary.

　　Nevertheless, she was pleased to think he would ask. Her eyesbrightened, for if there was anything that enlisted hersympathies it was the art of the stage.True to his nature, Drouet clung to this idea as an easy way out.

　　"Certainly," he said, looking in wonder at the money.

　　"I've been sick, I told you," he said, peevishly, almostresenting her excessive pity. It came hard to him to receive itfrom such a source.

　　Hurstwood examined his watch and urged the man to hurry. For onein so delicate a position he was exceedingly cool. He could onlythink of how needful it was to make the train and get quietlyaway. Carrie seemed quite tractable, and he congratulatedhimself.

　　"What's the use wearing my good ones around here?" he asked.

　　"There must be places around here where we could get a couple ofrooms, which would do just as well."

　　The regular entrance of thirty-five dollars a week to one who hasendured scant allowances for several years is a demoralisingthing. Carrie found her purse bursting with good green bills ofcomfortable denominations. Having no one dependent upon her, shebegan to buy pretty clothes and pleasing trinkets, to eat well,and to ornament her room. Friends were not long in gatheringabout. She met a few young men who belonged to Lola's staff.The members of the opera company made her acquaintance withoutthe formality of introduction. One of these discovered a fancyfor her. On several occasions he strolled home with her.