Here also much of the malicious
and the offensive was said, by the way, against the women of the
private houses, who were called "government hides," "government
stuff," "genteel maidens" and "institutes." Liubka knew the value
of these sneers, because the dwellers in brothels also bear
themselves with the greatest contempt toward street prostitutes,
calling them "bimmies" and "venereals."
To be sure, in the very end that happened which had to happen.
Seeing in perspective a whole series of hungry days, and in the
very depth of them the dark horror of an unknown future, Liubka
consented to a very civil invitation of some respectable little
old man; important, grayish, well-dressed and correct. For this
ignominy Liubka received a rouble, but did not dare to protest:
the previous life in the house had entirely eaten away her
personal initiative, mobility and energy. Later, several times
running, he even did not pay her anything at all.
One young man, easy of manner and handsome, in a cap with a
flattened brim, put on at a brave slant over one ear, in a silk
blouse, girdled by a cord with tassels, also led her with him into
a hotel, asked for wine and a snack; for a long time lied to
Liubka about his being an earl's son on the wrong side of the
blanket, and that he was the first billiardist in the whole city;
that all the wenches like him and that he would make a swell Jane
out of Liubka as well.
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