The various banks and trust companies to which she had applied declined her services.

In vain she had advertised in the newspapers offering to take sole charge of a little girl.

No one would give her one.
Her slender stock of money which she had in her purse on leaving Mr.
Bonehead's office was almost consumed.
Each night the unhappy girl returned to her lodging exhausted with disappointment and fatigue.
Yet even in her adversity she was not altogether friendless.
Each evening, on her return home, a soft tap was heard at the door.
"Miss Clair," said the voice of the Landlady, "I have brought you a fried egg.

Eat it.

You must keep up your strength." Then one morning a terrible temptation had risen before her.
"Miss Clair," said the manager of an agency to which she had applied, "I am glad to be able at last to make you a definite offer of employment.
Are you prepared to go upon the stage ?" The stage! A flush of shame and indignation swept over the girl.