There was the girl who entertained her callers in the drawing-room while the family was afar off, sojourning in the hills or by the waves of the sea;
Yea, who thought it no evil to bring forth the flesh-pot and the brandied comfit, that the heart of the district policeman might leap thereat, as the young buck leapeth at sight of the water courses.
There was also the girl who wasted, and the girl who stole; the girl who never tried, and the girl who never cared.
And seeing the multitude the spirit of the woman who dreamed arose within her and she asked of a certain veiled one who seemed to be in charge:
"Tell me, O shrouded one, is there never to be any diminution in the throng that cometh to take their abode in these halls of penitential regret?"
And the spirit in charge made answer, saying:
"No, nor never shall be while fools live and folly thrives.
"It is by reason of the babbling of busy-bodies that havoc has overtaken the land of thy forefathers.
"There is honor in faithful service, and an uncorruptible crown awaiteth the forehead of her who serveth well.
"It is no disgrace to the comely daughters of men who toil and are put to that they bring in the wherewithal to fill the mouths of the children who call them father—