The moment after, her eyes sank, and rested on the rich dress that she wore a gift from Lady Janet.

She thought of the past; she thought of the future.

Was the time near when she would be back again in the Refuge, or back again in the streets ?--she who had been Lady Janet's adopted daughter, and Horace Holmcroft's betrothed wife! A sudden frenzy of recklessness seized on her as she thought of the coming end.

Horace was right! Why not rally her spirits?
Why not make the most of her time?
The last hours of her life in that house were at hand.

Why not enjoy her stolen position while she could?
"Adventuress!" whispered the mocking spirit within her, "be true to your character.