This, too, is a large class, and a class more worthy of sympathy and consideration than the others, for amongst them, in spite of misfortune and poverty, there is a great deal of womanliness and self-respect.

Misfortune, ill-health, sorrow, loss of money, position or friends, circumstances over which they have had but little or no control have condemned them to live in the underworld.

Such women present a pitiful sight and a difficult problem.

They cling to the relics of their respectability with a passionate devotion, and they wait, hope, starve and despair.
Often misfortune has come upon them when the days of youth were passed, and they found themselves in middle age faced with the grim necessity of earning a living.

I have seen many of them struggle with difficulty, and exhibit rare courage and patience; I have watched them grow older and feebler.