"I do. I do."
"But I am not the one to give it—at least not the kind of help you need."
"I'll need help more than ever—after to-night."
"Yes? Why?"
"Because I'm going to leave home." Lorelei's head was up, and she spoke with a note of defiance.
"Then perhaps I CAN do something." He seated himself again. "You will need money."
"Oh no. I have my salary and the other revenues you know about. I have kept my family for two years."
"Work won't hurt you, but why force yourself to go on with those other things? They're not to your liking, I'm sure."
"My mother and father must live. There isn't enough—don't you see? There just isn't enough for all of us unless I—graft like the other girls."
Merkle broke out, impatiently: "Make an end of it. I'll finance you." She laughed a little harshly. "Don't misunderstand me," he went on, almost eagerly. "Don't think for an instant that I'd venture to expect anything in return. I won't trouble you; I won't even see you. Nobody will ever know. I wouldn't miss the money, and I'd really love to do it. You tried to do me a favor—"