All this was contrary to her social code of conduct.

How could society excuse familiarity with the scum of the streets?
What would Virginia's action cost the family in the way of criticism and loss of standing, and all that long list of necessary relations which people of wealth and position must sustain to the leaders of society?
To Madam Page society represented more than the church or any other institution.
It was a power to be feared and obeyed.

The loss of its good-will was a loss more to be dreaded than anything except the loss of wealth itself.
She stood erect and stern and confronted Virginia, fully roused and determined.

Virginia placed her arm about Loreen and calmly looked her grandmother in the face.
"You shall not do this, Virginia! You can send her to the asylum for helpless women.

We can pay all the expenses.