After reading Live In cook, I was left to wonder what exactly is the relationship between the two Mesdames? Initially, I understood them to be lovers. However, I don't believe that it is firmly stated anywhere that they are so. The closest indication of them being partners, that I can find is the paragraph in which Binh is describing Miss Toklas behavior in the garden.
"Miss Toklas knows that she would never be the first to go. She could never leave her lovey so alone in this world. A genius, she believes, needs constant care. She is resolved in the fact that you GertrudeStein, will be the first to go and then what will she do so alone in this world without you. And that, GertrudeStein, are the words that end all of her prayers."
However, after reading this excerpt more carefully, and taking other factors of the story into consideration, I gather that the two are not lovers but just very good friends. And what this paragraph is stating is not that Miss Toklas is considering formally ending her relationship with GertrudeStein but rather, awaiting her death.
Earlier in the story it is stated that GertrudeStein is 60, slightly older than Toklas who is 57. Perhaps when it is said "A genius, she believes, needs constant care." it is implied that in her relationship with GertrudeStein, Toklas has grown to feel like an obligated care taker.
This is a great post, Travis, and the quote you've included is very fitting for this context. Read it over once again, but also read the paragraphs around it. Also, go back to the beginning of the story, and consider what Binh says on page 480, in the middle paragraph.
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