Page:Adventures of Susan Hopley (Volume 1).pdf/137

124 said, "Here, Susan, take this; it's not much, but it's better than nothing," and she had placed five shillings in her hand, before she knew what she was doing.

"My dear lady," answered Susan, who after what she had heard in the night could not bear to think of accepting her bounty, "pray take it back again; I don't fear but I shall do very well when I have found my friend. And at all events, I am alone and able to bear up against a deal of hardshipbut you have this dear child to provide for; and I could never find in my heart to spend the money if I took it."

"She turned a sharp eye on me," Susan used to relate, "when I said this, and I saw in a minute that I had betrayed myself; for certainly there was nothing in her appearance or way of living to justify me in supposing that she could not spare so small a sum. The colour came into her cheeks, for she guessed how I had gained my information; and I turned away my head, for I felt my own getting red, too. 'No,' she said, when she had recovered herself, though her voice was slightly altered'no, keep it; it won't make my situation better or worse; but it is awkward for you not to have a shilling in your pocket in case of need.'