ing in this rag-time melody
which at that moment particularly appealed to her. It was peculiarly
suggestive of the low life, the criminality and prostitution that
constitute the night excitement of that section of New York City known
as "The Tenderloin." The common tune and its vulgar associations was
like the spreading before her eyes of a vivid panorama showing with
terrific realism the inevitable depravity that awaited her. Rudely torn
from every ideal which she had so weakly endeavored to grasp, she had
been, thrown back into the mire and slime at the very moment when her
emancipation seemed to be assured. Standing before the tall mirror,
with her flashy dress on one arm and her equally exaggerated type of
picture hat in the other, she recognized in herself the type of woman
depicted by the vulgar street melody, and the full realization of her
ignominy came to her now, perhaps for the first time.

The negress, in the happiness of continuing to serve her mistress in
her questionable career, picked up the tune as she started to unpack
the finery which only a short time before had been so carefully and
lovingly laid away in the trunk. Shaken by convulsive sobs, resigned to
what she was powerless to prevent, Laura turned and tottered towards
the bedroom. Then, as the true significance of her pitiful position
dawned upon her, she sank, limp and helpless, on the sofa, gasping
pathetically:

"Oh, God! Oh, my God!"

In the street below the hurdy-gurdy continued grinding out "_Bon-bon
Buddy, My Chocolate Drop_," with the negress idly accompanying it.

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