"I don't believe, you know, that until one has really experienced it, one can know what money, or rather the lack of it, means."
Miss Marple nodded her white head sympathetically.
Miss Bunner went on rapidly, working herself up, and speaking with a flushed face:
"I've heard people say so often
'I'd rather have flowers on the table than a meal without them.'
But how many meals have those people ever missed?
They don't know what it is - nobody knows who hasn't been through it - to be really hungry.
Bread, you know, and a jar of meat paste, and a scrape of margarine. Day after day, and how one longs for a good plate of meat and two vegetables.
And the shabbiness.
Darning one's clothes and hoping it won't show.
And applying for jobs and always being told you're too old.
And then perhaps getting a job and after all one isn't strong enough.
One faints. And you're back again.
It's the rent - always the rent - that's got to be paid - otherwise you're out in the street.
And in these days it leaves so little over.
One's old age pension doesn't go far - indeed it doesn't."
"I know," said Miss Marple gently. She looked with compassion at Miss Bunner's twitching face.
"I wrote to Letty.
I just happened to see her name in the paper.
It was a luncheon in aid of Milchester Hospital.
There it was in black and white.
Miss Letitia Blacklog.
It brought the past back to me.
I hadn't heard of her for years and years.
She'd been secretary, you know, to that very rich man, Goedler.
She was always a clever girl - the kind that gets on in the world. Not so much looks - as character.
I thought - well, I thought - perhaps she'll remember me - and she's one of the people I could ask for a little help.
I mean someone you've known as a girl - been at school with - well, they do know about you - they know you're not just a begging letter writer -" Tears came into Dora Bunner's eyes.
"And then Lotty came and took me away - said she needed someone to help her.
Of course, I was very surprised - very surprised - but then newspapers do get things wrong. How kind she was - and how sympathetic.
And remembering all the old days so well...
I'd do anything for her - I really would.
And I try very hard, but I'm afraid sometimes I muddle things - my head's not what it was.
I make mistakes.
And I forget and say foolish things.
She's very patient.
What's so nice about her is that she always pretends that I am useful to her.
That's real kindness, isn't it?"
Miss Marple said gently: "Yes, that's real kindness."
"I used to worry, you know, even after I came to Little Paddocks - about what would become of me if anything were to happen to Miss Blacklog.
After all, there are so many accidents - these motors dashing about one never knows, does one?
But naturally I never said anything - but she must have guessed.
Suddenly, one day she told me that she'd left me a small annuity in her will and - what I value far more - all her beautiful furniture.
I was quite overcome...
But she said nobody else would value it as I should - and that is quite true - I can't bear to see some lovely piece of china smashed - or wet glasses put down on a table and leaving a mark.
I do really look after her things.
Some people - some people especially, are so terribly careless - and sometimes worse than careless!
"I'm not really as stupid as I look," Miss Bunner continued with simplicity.
"I can see, you know, when Letty's being imposed upon.
Some people - I won't name names - but they take advantage.