“Coming here alone, as Miss Powel did, and with very little capital, it was hard for her to find herself face to face with the world. But she has determination. She actually steals hours from her rest. She must have relief from the strain or it will crush all the life out of her soul.” “Oh, yes; something must be done,” answering his intensity with a sweet interest. “Couldn’t I help you in some way?” He reflected seriously a moment. “I believe you could. Suppose you got her to play here four times during the month and let her believe you had rewarded her by paying her twenty-five dollars each time. I would give you my check for the hundred dollars each month.” “That will be just the thing. Later she will be able to get some good engagements at drawing room recitals.” “Would you indeed be willing to let me help her through you, Mrs. Low?” he asked, with some confusion. “I am only too happy to be able to add that little to so loyal a project.” “Thank you. Your co-operation means more to me than you can possibly imagine.” “Your friend has been telling me of your work, and how brave you are,” Mrs. Low said, as she took Esther’s hand at parting. “I shall come soon to see you. I think I can add a little sunshine to your life.” CHAPTER XII. GLENN saw Esther a few days afterward and found her unusually cheerful. Her face had a new light, and she had good reason for it. She spoke with a buoyancy of expression that Glenn had not lately heard. She told how Mrs. Low had arranged for her to play during the entire winter at her receptions. This simplified the complex future. She reflected a little more calmly on her condition. All these months she had tried to think of some way out of it. She had thought of everything--except giving up.