Meaning of Ilse's nickname - "If So Girl"?

[studiouslaura]

Hi everyone!

I am re-reading Duma Key again (I'm saving the newest novel for a trip that's coming up, and boy is it killing me) and this question is driving me nuts. What is the meaning behind Ilse's screen/nickname? Edgar even discusses at one point how if Ilse finds out that her boyfriend is cheating, it will change her, and she will go from being his "if so girl" to something less innocent (essentially).

What am I missing?

Thanks, y'all!

Laura

[SusanNorton]

Hi, Laura! It's been a while since I read Duma, so I don't know if he ever comes out and says exactly what the meaning is, but I'd assumed that the "if" stood for her initials (Ilse F.) and the "so" stood for something else - maybe where she was living? I cant remember. I probably shouldn't have answered this, since I'm apparently pulling stuff out of my butt.

[studiouslaura]

Aha! I totally didn't think about the initials. Thanks!

[fredo]

Was it not a nickname Edgar had for her when she was younger? Man, now I gotta go re-read. Again.

[BallroomDancer]

Ilse always stood up for Melinda. If Melinda did something wrong, Ilse would say, "If Melinda did that, she did it because (blah blah blah), so don't get mad at her." I do believe that must be why.