She gazed into his repulsive features, and shuddered.
"No, no, no!"
"You are very independent," he sneered. "What is your name? Where do you live?"
"My name is no concern of yours. My home will soon be—in—the—river!"
"What mean you, girl?"
"What I have just told you, sir. I am a poor and honest girl, out of work, penniless, and friendless, turned into the streets to-day to starve. Before nightfall I shall end my sorrows in the river."
"A girl with that beautiful face and form need never starve," returned the old miser, with a significant leer.
The pale, young face flushed to a burning crimson, and the large, dark eyes flashed angrily.
"I have been told that many times, sir, but I am an honest girl. I can die, but I cannot do wrong."