A life which is lonely and dissatisfied, a wasted life, never fully realizes how lonely, dissatisfied, and wasted it is until some new life, beautiful in young hope and possibility, comes into contact with it.

For a single instant Hampton toyed with the temptation confronting him, this opportunity of brightening his own miserable future by means of her degradation.

Then he answered, his voice grown almost harsh.

"This is your best chance, little girl, and I want you to stay and fight it out." Their eyes met, each dimly realizing, although in a totally different way, that here was a moment of important decision.

Mrs.Herndon darkened the doorway, and stood looking out.
"Well, Mr.Bob Hampton," she questioned, plainly, "what is this going to be ?" He glanced toward her, slightly lifting his hat, and promptly releasing the girl's clinging hand.
"Miss Gillis consents to remain," he announced shortly, and, denying himself so much as another glance at his companion, strode down the narrow path to the road.