The Jumping-Off Place

Maria lifted her hand to knock but stopped when she heard a woman speaking.<br>Pastor I met the most pathetic-looking girl yesterday the voice said.<br>Where was that?<br>Here at the church . . .<br>Maria felt her face burning with shame. She had fallen into disgrace but not far enough to endure the term pathetic.<br>* * *<br>Did you come to the Ladies' Aid Meeting? the woman asked.<br>Yeah. I came for aid Maria answered trying to control the bitterness in her voice. I came for aid yesterday but you asked me to eat and I did. I came again today to see if you needed a janitor to clean the church but I know you don't so I'll leave.<p>* * *<br>Maria Grant feels she at her wit's end-hungry weary and bedraggled-all for the love of a boy. Why did she leave her loving family to be near Orville? He didn't care one iota for her. She had sunk so low all because of Orville.