Ballad of the Sad Cafe and Other Stories Women and Femininity Quotes

"Make it happy and simple," he said, switching on the lamp behind her and stepping back from the piano. (Ballad.112)

She was a tall, straight woman with a pale and haggard face. Her eyes were deeply shadowed and she wore her dark, ragged hair pushed back from her forehead. She had large, delicate hands, which were very grubby. (Madame.4)

Weeks passed and Madame Zilensky seemed to make no effort to get settled or to furnish the house with anything more than a table and some beds. (Madame.12)