Somebody had to be saved, but unless Denver got work, there would be no one to save, no one tocome home to, and no Denver either. It was a new thought, having a self to look out for andpreserve. And it might not have occurred to her if she hadn't met Nelson Lord leaving hisgrandmother's house as Denver entered it to pay a thank you for half a pie. All he did was smileand say, "Take care of yourself, Denver," but she heard it as though it were what language wasmade for. The last time he spoke to her his words blocked up her ears. Now they opened her mind.

　　Weeding the garden, pulling vegetables, cooking, washing, she plotted what to do and how. TheBodwins were most likely to help since they had done it twice. Once for Baby Suggs and once forher mother. Why not the third generation as well? She got lost so many times in the streets ofCincinnati it was noon before she arrived, though she started out at sunrise. The house sat backfrom the sidewalk with large windows looking out on a noisy, busy street. The Negro woman whoanswered the front door said,"Yes?""May I come in?""What you want?""I want to see Mr. and Mrs. Bodwin.""Miss Bodwin. They brother and sister.""Oh.""What you want em for?""I'm looking for work. I was thinking they might know of some.""You Baby Suggs' kin, ain't you?""Yes, ma'am.""Come on in. You letting in flies." She led Denver toward the kitchen, saying, "First thing youhave to know is what door to knock on." But Denver only half heard her because she was steppingon something soft and blue. All around her was thick, soft and blue. Glass cases crammed full ofglistening things. Books on tables and shelves. Pearl-white lamps with shiny metal bottoms. And asmell like the cologne she poured in the emerald house, only better. "Sit down," the woman said.

　　"You know my name?""No, ma'am.""Janey. Janey Wagon.""How do you do?""Fairly. I heard your mother took sick, that so?""Yes, ma'am.""Who's looking after her?""I am. But I have to find work."Janey laughed. "You know what? I've been here since I was fourteen, and I remember likeyesterday when Baby Suggs, holy, came here and sat right there where you are. Whiteman broughther. That's how she got that house you all live in. Other things, too.""Yes, ma'am.""What's the trouble with Sethe?" Janey leaned against an indoor sink and folded her arms.

　　It was a little thing to pay, but it seemed big to Denver. Nobody was going to help her unless shetold it — told all of it. It was clear Janey wouldn't and wouldn't let her see the Bodwins otherwise.

　　So Denver told this stranger what she hadn't told Lady Jones, in return for which Janey admittedthe Bodwins needed help, although they didn't know it. She was alone there, and now that heremployers were getting older, she couldn't take care of them like she used to.

　　Mo............