Part 2, Section 9 Summary

Daisy decides to apply at Blackfriars Hospital for a nursing position. She arrives to a waiting room at the hospital full of--except for one older woman--young women like herself, wearing navy blue suits, cuffs turned up to hide the wear. She sees an applicant exit the interview room head bowed. Daisy is the last to be called. The Matron interviewing Daisy tells her that, if her references are not currently in order, she can return the coming Friday. After the interview, Daisy changes back into her regular boots and begins walking home. The older woman at the hospital catches up with her--and explains that she is single and has a child, that she's well over 35 and still, unfortunately, fertile. Mrs. Martinez says she wants to talk about the sorrows of mankind but asks to borrow money (Daisy obliges). Daisy begins lining...