When wrecked in reputation, one might as well be wrecked in fortune, too.

What would their future be, how could that proud, sensitive man her father bear this humiliation, this disgrace?
To be condemned to a life of obscurity, social ostracism, and genteel poverty! Oh, the thought was unendurable! She herself could earn money, of course.

If her literary work did not bring in enough, she could teach and what she earned would help out.

Certainly her parents should never want for anything so long as she could supply it.

She thought bitterly how futile now were plans of marriage, even if she had ever entertained such an idea seriously.