knew."

"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