Page:The Art of Helping People Out of Trouble (1924).pdf/84

 It was important that the social worker should learn the man's side of the story. Accordingly she called at the home of a friend of his, also an Armenian.

"I have come to see you," she explained to the woman who answered her ring, "because I am trying to help some friends of yours, Mr. Terian and his wife."

Instantly a mask seemed to fall down over the face of the woman.

"I know nothing," she replied.

It was winter-time and the weather was raw, and so the social worker stepped into the hall saying, "It's a cold day. May I come in for a few minutes?"

Mrs. Demoyan took her visitor into the living-room.

After the two women were seated, the visitor began, "You're an Armenian, aren't you? I have been so interested in Armenia because it has had such a terrible struggle. How long did you live there?"

Simple and obvious though this introduction was, it immediately brought a response. The subject was of the greatest consequence to Mrs. Demoyan, and she began talking about her life in Armenia.