Her desire to be with Paula was not the only factor influencing Byrne's decision to send Greta away. Byrne had finally forced herself to face the issue, to recognize Greta's warped instincts, her savagery, her pathological loneliness. Byrne had finally steeled herself to the inevitable task. She could no longer run away from the problem or continue to make excuses for Greta. Both women had to be considered. Her first responsibility, Byrne decided, was to the living. The semi-living must be attended to in whatever way was most humane. But she could no longer allow Greta to rule her life. Dear Paula—she thought it was all so simple. Thank heaven, she knew nothing of the pain. Handing a bill to the cab driver, Byrne got out and went resolutely up to Greta's apartment. Byrne smiled to herself as the nurse opened the door. How well Greta had managed to slip out from beneath this woman's surveillance whenever she felt like it!
