Until two years ago, I was just Lois, a name untagged. Then one day I received a note from the New York City Board of Orphans to announce that after 10 years without my Mother, they had found her. She was living in New York too, making her living by dressmaking. It was the occupation of those left to make their way without support, and it will not surprise you to know that I also fall into the same line of employment.

The letter also stated that my identity had been confirmed and to add further shock, I was actually a member of one of the wealthiest families in New Jersey, The Aldonquinns. I almost dropped the letter. It couldn't be true. There was no chance that I, Lois had a noble heritage. I was a rough and tumble kid who got into scrapes and dug myself out of them, not some society princess.

My eyes crossed to my darling little Ellie who was trying to kick her way out of her chair. She's such a sweetheart that I can't imagine being without her. She's the reason that I work, the reason that I make a home, and that's the way it is.

Her father...well, he hot-trodded it back to uptown as soon as he learned about her. Suddenly he didn't want to know. I met him at a society club I sneaked into with my friend Lou, and one thing led to another. Soon Ellie came along and I had to run, back to the comfort of my little apartment in the Bronx. The Bronx is rough, don't get me wrong, it's not the safest place for a kid, but then again, it's all someone like me can afford. The correct term for someone of my situation is a 'fallen woman'. I hate the stares I get, but what can I do?

Anyway, now I'm in this wealthy family there are lots of rules and regulations I have to contend with, including the iron will of Jean Farquis. When she asked about Ellie's father I was forced to lie.

"He's a soldier, overseas. He's got a post out in Italy."

"Indeed." She sniffed, her eyes darting to the ring I wore on my finger, "he supports you, does he?"

"Yes, he does." I tried to imitate her snooty accent. I had a feeling that she didn't always speak like that. That she had a rough edge, maybe Alabaman?

Either way, she didn't seem to like me.

I tired to shake off this type of attitude . I couldn't believe that it was possible that I was related to this person. I felt like I didn't deserve to be connected to such a wealthy family.

Ellie is only 10 months old. I can't believe she'll be one year old in a few months. She's far too young to understand the fact that we're from a wealthy heritage. Hopefullly when she is older she'll appreciate it but not turn into some kind of spoiled brat.

I called my best friend Allison on the phone and told her my news. She almost dropped the phone.

"Get out of town! You're from a wealthy family?"

"Yeah, I would have never expected it either. I am still in shock over it."

"Just don't let the wealth go to your head Lo."

"Don't worry, I won't. I just can't shake the reality of the fact that I have rich relatives. It's going to take some getting used to I think."

"Have you met anyone in your new family yet?"

"Nope.. I hope to in the next couple weeks though. I had to lie about Ellie came to be.. I just don't want to admit they'd shun me if they found out she was born out of wedlock."

"I'm sure things will be fine. "

"I hope you're right."