Lois

Lois is Sadie Jenkins’s friend and the person who arranges Van Go Jenkins’s first chance to work for Mr. Dalton. She acts as both sponsor and supervisor: her connection gives Van Go access to the household, while her blunt instructions establish that the opportunity comes with rules.

Introduction and Connection to Sadie

Lois first appears at the Dalton home, where Van Go is seeking work. Described as a Black woman dressed like a maid in a movie, she recognizes him as Sadie’s son and explains to Mr. Dalton that she had told him about Van Go. Her connection to Sadie is the basis of the introduction, not merely a matter of recognition: Lois says that Mr. Dalton had agreed she could hire someone to clean the pool area and trim the grass when Felipe did not come.

Arranging Van Go’s Work

Mr. Dalton remembers the arrangement and greets Van Go with a handshake before leaving in his Mercedes. Once he is gone, Lois’s expression changes, becoming hard. She tells Van Go that his mother’s friendship is why he has the opportunity, and stresses that Mr. Dalton can help him. The shift marks the difference between the household’s formal welcome and Lois’s more direct account of what the job means: Van Go has been given a chance through a personal connection, and must understand that debt of trust.

Authority and Expectations

Lois does not present herself as an indulgent benefactor. She warns Van Go to show respect or leave the job, invoking the dogs down the hill as a consequence, and insists that he bathe before coming to work. When he objects that he will become sweaty and dirty while working, she distinguishes arriving clean from getting dirty on the job and demands compliance. Her role is therefore practical and disciplinary at once: she helps Van Go enter the Dalton household, but makes clear that access depends on meeting her standards.