Page:Sparrow, the tramp (IA sparrowtramp00wess).pdf/175

 "I don't know," answered the child.

"Hannah," said Mrs. Winton, "bring me a bowl of bread and milk. It is as I suspected; the child is half starved."

Posy came around to Mamma's side, and leaned against her in what Hannah called "Posy's coaxing way."

"Don't send her back to that horrid woman, will you, Mamma?" she whispered.

"I will look after her, my darling, you may be sure," said Mamma.

"But you will let her stay, won't you, Mamma?" repeated Posy.

"I will let her stay till she feels well again, and then I will find out about her," answered Mamma soothingly. "Don't be troubled, Posy; I love my own little children too well not to try to make all other children happy."

Posy looked greatly relieved.

Tom had been silently watching the little