It's as sad as any novel.

You see, her folks had lots of money, but her ma died an' her pa was too busy to be bothered, so he sent her off to a convent.

Them nuns at the convent was so cruel to her that she run away--" "And went on the stage." "How'd you know ?" "I didn't.

But--the stage is the usual refuge for convent-bred girls who are abused.

I've met several.