To his surprise, Acton discovered that most prostitutes were "a woman who, whether healthy or ill, is generally pretty and elegant" (53). Just like 'Melia, many prostitutes did not appear to be on the path to total failure. Acton describes that when comparing the work of a 35-year-old prostitute to that of her sister of the same age, it is more likely that the sister is the one from the couple who has suffered much more as a result of her work as a “toiling slave.” ” in a factory (63). Over the course of their careers as prostitutes, many prostitutes had also become more educated, as they "[have] gained a knowledge of the world most likely superior to the situation into which [they were] born" (Acton, 64). . This also applies to 'Melia, as her former colleague points out that her "talk is quite suitable for high company!" (Hardy, 11 years old). "Melia's character makes a strong statement that not all stereotypes are the whole truth