or to secure a little praise as a bit of artistic work.  It would
probably fail in all these things.  It was written with a definite,
earnest purpose, which I trust will be apparent to the reader. 

As society in our land grows older, and departs from primitive
simplicity, as many are becoming rich, but more poor, the changes that
I have sought to warn against become more threatening.  The ordinary
avenues of industry are growing thronged, and it daily involves a more
fearful risk for a woman to be thrown out upon the world with
unskilled hands, an untrained mind, and an unbraced moral nature.
Impressed with this danger by some considerable observation, by a
multitude of facts that might wring tears from stony eyes, I have
tried to write earnestly if not wisely. 

Of necessity, it touches somewhat on a subject delicate and difficult
to treat--the "skeleton in the closet" of society.  But the evil exists
on every side, and at some time or other threatens every home and
life.  It is my belief that Christian teachers should not timidly or
loftily ignore it, for, mark it well, the evil does not let us or ours
alone.  It is my belief that it should be dealt with in a plain,