And this place," she added dolefully, "this awful place--" She glanced around at the cracked ceilings, the cheaply papered walls, the shabby furniture, and her heart sank as she realized the extent of their misfortune.

She had come back prepared for the worst, to help win the fight for her father's honour, but to have to struggle against sordid poverty as well, to endure that humiliation in addition to disgrace--ah, that was something she had not anticipated! She changed colour and her voice faltered.
Her father had been closely watching for just such signs and he read her thoughts.
"It's the best we can afford, Shirley," he said quietly.

"The blow has been complete.

I will tell you everything.

You shall judge for yourself.