Had it come to this?
Little versed in the world as Winnifred was, she knew but too well the horror, the iniquity, the depth of degradation implied in the word.
"Yes," continued the agent, "I have a letter here asking me to recommend a young lady of suitable refinement to play the part of Eliza in _Uncle Tom's Cabin._ Will you accept ?" "Sir," said Winnifred proudly, "answer me first this question fairly.

If I go upon the stage, can I, as Eliza, remain as innocent, as simple as I am now ?" "You can not," said the manager.
"Then, sir," said Winnifred, rising from her chair, "let me say this.
Your offer is doubtless intended to be kind.

Coming from the class you do, and inspired by the ideas you are, you no doubt mean well.

But let a poor girl, friendless and alone, tell you that rather than accept such a degradation she will die." "Very good," said the manager.
"I go forth," cried Winnifred, "to perish." "All right," said the manager.
The door closed behind her.

Winnifred Clair, once more upon the street, sank down upon the steps of the building in a swoon.
But at this very juncture Providence, which always watches over the innocent and defenceless, was keeping its eye direct upon Winnifred.
At that very moment when our heroine sank fainting upon the doorstep, a handsome equipage, drawn by two superb black steeds, happened to pass along the street.
Its appearance and character proclaimed it at once to be one of those vehicles in which only the superior classes of the exclusive aristocracy are privileged to ride.