This is a crushing blow to Reuben. He has always been proud of who he is. This pride is something that has been instilled in him by his mother, and now she is telling him that he should give it up. At this point, because Gertie has once more betrayed her own awareness of what is right, she loses Reuben, and he runs away to return to the country where he feels he belongs. Betrayal also colors Gertie's relationship with her daughter Cassie, which in the earlier scenes of the novel is shown to be very special.
Cassie is tenderhearted, and slightly mischievous.
She has a well-developed imagination, and has created a very vivid imaginary friend. Throughout the first half of the novel, Gertie recognizes and supports Cassie's need for special attention. She even goes so far as to actively play along with Callie Lou, Cassie's imaginary friend. When Cassie's dependence on Callie Lou causes her to not fit in with the others in the city, Gertie drops her support of the child, and tries to force her to leave Callie Lou behind. Play with the other youngens.