[cloud8]

> I understand she was very poor in a sport where it helps to have some money, maybe even quite a bit of money.

That's right. In skating, you have to go through the ropes. And you will be allowed to succeed only when it has been decided that it is "your time."

[azhenfud]

Years ago when T. Hardin's story was hot, I heard a remake of "Brand New Key" that went like this:
"You've got a brand new pair of rollerskates,
I'm gonna break your knee."