AMONG THE ANGELIC ORDERS
201
Gretchen spoke with a slightly synthetic quality, as of a speech al–
ready rehearsed.
The older girl tossed her long blond hair and smiled into her
friend's face. "Who, if I cried," she said heroically,
"if
I cried, who
would hear me .among the angelic orders?" It was as
if
she spoke to
the world, and her words did not require an answer. She strode on
across 88th Street, Gretchen marching with her.
"If
I cried, who
would hear me among the angelic orders," she repeated. It was very
clear that someone would hear
her.
Gretchen's eyes began to tear. "Oh, Sheila! I don't know-of
course! I always think I'm alone, or it's only my own troubles!
As
if
nothing could be done!"
Her friend, in reply, squeezed her arm. Both girls were tre–
mendously moved by their brave affirmation, and they said nothing
as they walked the last block. Just before they parted, Sheila stopped
and spoke.
"I'll
always listen to you, Gretchen, whatever you want to say."
Gretchen took it as the pledge of eternal friendship that it was. Sheila
held her friend's two hands and they looked sternly and yet with
kindness at each other.
"I trust you completely," Gretchen said. "You're the best friend
I have." She was reluctant to go and thought of asking Sheila to
stay overnight in the guest room at 93rd Street. Sheila dropped her
hands and started to turn away.
"Remember," Sheila said. "I'll always listen, I'll always hear you
if you cry out to me." She nodded and turned down 89th Street
toward Columbus Avenue.
It occurred to Gretchen Weiss-her name was Margaret or
would be-that now she really was late. When she burst into her
parents' apartment, a short ritualistic fight with her mother broke
out. It was not more serious because Gretchen had been with Sheila,
and Mrs. Weiss, in those days, was trying to encourage and nourish
the friendship.
At sixteen Gretchen could go in several directions, and Mrs.
Weiss still saw the future with some variety. Gretchen was a painter
-oh, perhaps not much of a one just now, she was still at the High
School of Music and Art. She also took piano lessons and went to
