Page:Famous stories from foreign countries.djvu/132

 who had spoken so gently and pitifully of the sick children. Almost unwillingly she followed the man who had brought about this amazing change. At first she listened to him with a proud indifferent air. Gradually, however, her attitude changed, there was so much truth in his words. He was glad to meet a woman like Mrs. Warden who had heart for the poor who suffered. Although—usually—the best intentioned help fell in the wrong place. Good heartedness was something praiseworthy anyway.

“But does not this family need help? I received the impression that the woman had seen better days. Perhaps she could be helped out of this life.”

“I am sorry to tell you, Madam, that she has been a very bad—public character.”

Mrs. Warden trembled.

She had spoken with a woman like that!—about children.

“And the young girl?” she asked timidly.

“Did you not look at her Madam, and observe her condition?”

“No—you mean—?”

The Superintendent of the Poor murmured a few words. Mrs. Warden shuddered “—and that man? The man of the house!”

“Yes, Madam. I am sorry to tell you this,” and he whispered again.

This was too much for the elegant lady. She became faint and dizzy. They were walking toward her trap, which was somewhat farther on than the place where she had left it.