Page:Hard-pan; a story of bonanza fortunes (IA hardpanbonanza00bonnrich).pdf/148

136 in and saw how—how poor and miserable everything was. I felt mortified at what I 'd done. I would n't have gone in the beginning if I 'd thought it was as bad as that. But I had an excuse. I bought jam and four plants. That 's one of them on the stand."

"Bought jam and plants! What are you talking about? I don't understand you."

"She sells them,—jam and plants,—and I bought three dozen pots and four plants."

"You went there and bought these things from her in her own house?"

"Yes," Letitia answered, and went on helplessly, in order to say something: "Four plants for two dollars. It was very cheap."

There was a moment's pause. Then the man said in a suppressed voice:

"You patronized her in her poverty—pried into her home, bought things from her, gave her money! Good God!"

He dropped his voice and turned away, unable to finish. Letitia came toward him. She knew that in this interview the happiness of her life was at stake, and yet that she must be true to herself.

"I did give her money, but not as you mean. I was sorry for her and wanted to help her. I would n't have hurt her any more than you would. It was because of you I went there. It was because we heard you were so interested