An Average Woman #226147

There were, of course, others in the trimming-room who were full of importance in their way, but Emmie had that same feeling - she didn't care for any of them. The phrase must not be taken too literally: it must be treated indulgently and understood as an attitude, for Emmie had a heart and cared for Miss Black, for instance, as well as for Lizzie Smaile and others.<br><br>Who can understand the pretty girl? Herself least of all.<br><br>Emmie was pretty. Some praised her extravagantly; others merely said, "Yes ... all right" - opinions differ. But nobody suggested she approached ugliness. Also she had a tongue which is valuable in anybody's mouth, but almost an unfair advantage in the head of a pretty woman. Emmie's tongue was mostly of the defensive kind. She could hit back, defend herself with it, use it as a weapon for trench warfare, but could indulge in "grenade" work if pushed to it.<br><br>Emmie in a shawl, which she wore occasionally going to and from work: Emmie in clogs, which she wore only on very dirty and bad days, was not to be passed over as of no or little account; but the Emmie who was dressed in her Sunday best was as likely to attract attention as anybody in Ganton.<br><br>Emmie's hair was black and her eyes a fine rich brown, though the colour was not all at first glance. She had a way of letting you see only half her eyes to begin with, as if she were shy and looked at you cautiously, or as if there was something to be hidden till she was sure who looked.