A woman came from around the corner. She was rouged heavily and wore a feather boa. She smiled at Johnny and said, “Lonesome, Mister?” Johnny looked at her a moment before he answered gently, “No, Sister.” “Sure?” she inquired archly. “Sure,” he answered quietly. She went her way. Francie skipped back and took Papa’s hand. “Was that a bad lady, Papa?” she asked eagerly. “No.” “But she looked bad.” “There are very few bad people. There are just a lot of people that are unlucky.” “But she was all painted and…” “She was one who had seen better days.” He liked the phrase. “Yes, she may have seen
...more
