Gerty had but an obscure conception of what Lily's actual experience had been: but its consequences had established a lasting hold on her pity since the memorable night when she had offered up her own secret hope to her friend's extremity.

To characters like Gerty's such a sacrifice constitutes a moral claim on the part of the person in whose behalf it has been made.

Having once helped Lily, she must continue to help her; and helping her, must believe in her, because faith is the main-spring of such natures.

But even if Miss Bart, after her renewed taste of the amenities of life, could have returned to the barrenness of a New York August, mitigated only by poor Gerty's presence, her worldly wisdom would have counselled her against such an act of abnegation.

She knew that Carry Fisher was right: that an opportune absence might be the first step toward rehabilitation, and that, at any rate, to linger on in town out of season was a fatal admission of defeat.