The result was that the softer elements of her character unavoidably degenerated and found expression in qualities not at all admirable, whilst her obstinacy grew the ally of the weakness from which she had most to fear.
Lotty was sent to a day-school till the age of thirteen, then had to become her father's housekeeper.

Her friends were very few, none of them likely to be of use to her.

Left very much to her own control, she made an acquaintance which led to secret intimacy and open disaster.
Rather than face her father with such a disclosure, she left home, and threw herself upon the mercy of the man who had assisted her to go astray.

He was generous enough to support her for about a year, during which time her child was born.

Then his help ceased.
The familiar choice lay before her--home again, the streets, or starvation.