“Look, hija, here's why. What I said about not having room, well, that's not true, because we could always find you a nook somewhere, right? But I don't want trouble with Elvira. She's always after me for something. And just imagine what she'd say … and what she'd do, no? Just imagine! And anyway, you're mixed up with some rich guy, right? … Of course, silly! You think I don't know? And don't tell me you've quarreled, because that doesn't last. No, no, no. He'll come looking for you, you'll make up with him … and then I'm out of luck.”

Santa tried to reply with counter arguments, but the madam wouldn't let herself be interrupted. So Santa just sat there downing glass after glass of anisette, with the dirty words she wanted to say tussling with each other in her throat.

“Don't say a word, girl. You're not well, believe me, I can see it in your face, honey. And you're drunk as a skunk, too. You just run on home and don't be a fool. Go home and make up with your sugar daddy, and tomorrow you'll thank me, okay? Did you already send the rental coach away?”

Irate at what she had heard and wobbly because of what she had drunk, Santa stood up and let fly the dirty words that had been tussling in her throat. No way would she listen to such-and-such from any old so-and-so.

“I came to your house to do you a favor, hear? I can go anywhere I want. I've got lots of options, no matter what you think or how mad it makes you. But that's it! I don't care how much money you offer me now. And I'll pay for my drinks!” she concluded, tossing a couple of silver pesos on to the tray.

And, more inebriated than when she arrived, she lurched into the street. It was too late to go to another house, since at this hour everyone would be “working” rather than contracting new girls. Although she believed that she would have no trouble finding a place, la Tosca's rejection had injured her pride. The coach was still waiting.

“Hey, what time is it?” she slurred, struggling to open the door of the vehicle.

She did not really understand the coachman's answer, but climbed shakily in anyway, then stuck her head out the window and added:

“To the tavern on Las Ratas Street. I'm starving. And if you make these nags jump, I'll buy you supper!”