to forget the words that followed. “And remember, dear, you cannot be a perfect whore unless a man likes your body. That must come first. And never contradict him either—if you’re wise as Solomon, and contradict him, he’ll leave you and sleep with a Salvation Army leader. Whenever a man wants intelligence from a woman, he has none himself—
“If you agree with him, you’re intelligent—and if you are brighter than he is and let him know it, you’re stupid.
“I’ve been watching men for more years than you’ve been in the world and the half dozen big ones I’ve known have been lonely fellows who didn’t care any more about anything than I do.
“Nearly everything is poppycock—it’s a sin to sleep with different men in this country—in some other country—maybe Ireland, I hope—” she smiled grimly, “it’s an honor. And remember, dear, again, that a woman’s like a parrot—she’s never any bigger than the biggest man she’s known.”
That Christmas, at Alice’s suggestion, Mr. Everlan bought her many volumes concerning Josephine and other lovely ladies now no more.
Being a leading member of different philanthropic and civic organizations, Mr. Everlan made many journeys about the nation.
A long-distance telephone call generally found her at home. If she were out, the maid could immediately tell the operator where she could be found.
Always circumspect, she made every effort to please Mr. Everlan. Though she had lovers when he was out of the city, she nevertheless brought pleasure to him, and satisfaction to Mother Rosenbloom, who had so warmly recommended her to Mr. Everlan.
When Leora became bored after two weeks of looking about the city, Alice took her to Mother Rosenbloom’s establishment.
It was in the center of the one-time “restricted district,” and had once known a wealthier day. It was still ornate, with stained glass windows, and the mechanical fixtures of fifty years ago. The gilded gas jets were now wired for electricity. It had many large rooms and gables, and a bow window in front.
Mother Rosenbloom owned four houses on the street. These were well painted, as was the house which she occupied with her girls. The paint was peeled from all the other houses on the street. It was otherwise neglected, as though the citizens were concerned with greater problems than the beauty of a neighborhood.
Negro families had moved within a few blocks of Mother Rosenbloom. She did not complain. All creeds and colors were alike to her.
She gave generously to the Catholic creed in which she had been born. Retaining its larger precepts she would go to church once each month with the comment that she wanted to be on the safe side.
If her vices were great, her understanding was greater. So far as she was concerned all people were weak and erring, and it was best to be tolerant of the major sins so long as they paid well.
It used to be said of a girl when she became immoral, “She’s on her way to Ryan Street.” It was where Mother Rosenbloom still held sway. She had the only establishment left, and she catered to the elite of the city, or rather—men with money.
Alice and Leora approached the house over which Mother Rosenbloom ruled. “Pay no attention to her,” said Alice, “she’s as sharp as a razor, but you can make more money here than in any other house.”
The door opened. They were taken before Mother Rosenbloom.
Chapter 10
She moved swiftly toward them, more in the manner of one skating than walking.
An Irish woman who had married a Jew, Mother Rosenbloom’s name was known wherever sex was bartered.
She was between fifty and sixty, and weighed nearly three hundred pounds. Her breasts were as large as pillows. Her ear-rings, studded with green and red stones, dangled two inches. The diamond rings on the short third and fourth fingers of each hand were encased deep in flesh. It had calloused around them, giving evidence that the rings had not been removed for
“If you agree with him, you’re intelligent—and if you are brighter than he is and let him know it, you’re stupid.
“I’ve been watching men for more years than you’ve been in the world and the half dozen big ones I’ve known have been lonely fellows who didn’t care any more about anything than I do.
“Nearly everything is poppycock—it’s a sin to sleep with different men in this country—in some other country—maybe Ireland, I hope—” she smiled grimly, “it’s an honor. And remember, dear, again, that a woman’s like a parrot—she’s never any bigger than the biggest man she’s known.”
That Christmas, at Alice’s suggestion, Mr. Everlan bought her many volumes concerning Josephine and other lovely ladies now no more.
Being a leading member of different philanthropic and civic organizations, Mr. Everlan made many journeys about the nation.
A long-distance telephone call generally found her at home. If she were out, the maid could immediately tell the operator where she could be found.
Always circumspect, she made every effort to please Mr. Everlan. Though she had lovers when he was out of the city, she nevertheless brought pleasure to him, and satisfaction to Mother Rosenbloom, who had so warmly recommended her to Mr. Everlan.
When Leora became bored after two weeks of looking about the city, Alice took her to Mother Rosenbloom’s establishment.
It was in the center of the one-time “restricted district,” and had once known a wealthier day. It was still ornate, with stained glass windows, and the mechanical fixtures of fifty years ago. The gilded gas jets were now wired for electricity. It had many large rooms and gables, and a bow window in front.
Mother Rosenbloom owned four houses on the street. These were well painted, as was the house which she occupied with her girls. The paint was peeled from all the other houses on the street. It was otherwise neglected, as though the citizens were concerned with greater problems than the beauty of a neighborhood.
Negro families had moved within a few blocks of Mother Rosenbloom. She did not complain. All creeds and colors were alike to her.
She gave generously to the Catholic creed in which she had been born. Retaining its larger precepts she would go to church once each month with the comment that she wanted to be on the safe side.
If her vices were great, her understanding was greater. So far as she was concerned all people were weak and erring, and it was best to be tolerant of the major sins so long as they paid well.
It used to be said of a girl when she became immoral, “She’s on her way to Ryan Street.” It was where Mother Rosenbloom still held sway. She had the only establishment left, and she catered to the elite of the city, or rather—men with money.
Alice and Leora approached the house over which Mother Rosenbloom ruled. “Pay no attention to her,” said Alice, “she’s as sharp as a razor, but you can make more money here than in any other house.”
The door opened. They were taken before Mother Rosenbloom.
Chapter 10
She moved swiftly toward them, more in the manner of one skating than walking.
An Irish woman who had married a Jew, Mother Rosenbloom’s name was known wherever sex was bartered.
She was between fifty and sixty, and weighed nearly three hundred pounds. Her breasts were as large as pillows. Her ear-rings, studded with green and red stones, dangled two inches. The diamond rings on the short third and fourth fingers of each hand were encased deep in flesh. It had calloused around them, giving evidence that the rings had not been removed for
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