Madelene flinched noticeably when he touched her cheek. It hurt badly where he applied pressure, but again she didn't say anything. Instead she blinked back the tears that stung her eyes.
She thought over what he said. It was a nice offer, to be able to sleep in a bed and not on the street, where she had the constant fear of being raped and beaten by drunk men. "But how is me being in your way payment, sir?" she asked before digging out her pouch of money again. She held it out for him. "I could pay you," she said. "I know it isn't much, but I could bring you more later? And you could have my marble." She dumped the bag into her lap and held up the round piece of glass. "It's like the sun, it makes me feel safe in the dark. It could protect you too." She looked at him hopefully.