"I know you lit into them," she said, "because you think they handed me a raw deal and you think I mind it. I didn't, honest, Hubert. Really. They were right. I'm different. I'm a kept woman, and a girl can't bring me home to her mother's house. I'm a different breed entirely. I don't think I'm not as good, understand. I think I got more guts and more character, but so has some criminals, and you wouldn't want to cart them home. See, I'm kind of an outsider. I'm a kept woman, Hubert; once you get that through your head you'll see the whole thing."
He did not reply for a moment and she prompted him. "See?" she asked.
"You gave Anna and Louise each something last Christmas that cost twenty-five bucks. I think if you'd done that this Christmas you'd have been invited. I think they got sore at the small presents."
"Oh, no, Hubert."
"Yes, I think they did. I think that's why they passed you up."
And all night long he tossed and once he sighed. Very unusual for Hubert.
