OR, CLARENCE MORTIMER. 57

 

<e¢ THeres ict the basket, please ma’am !’
said the girl, timidly holding it out towards
her. eR |

‘«« Are you the daughter of the poor
woman who came to me last night?’ said
the lady, with an encouraging glance at the
blushing face. ,

‘«« Yes, ma’am,’ was the faint reply.

«©« And have you any brothers and
sisters ?’ :

‘¢¢T am her brother, ma’am,’ said the
| boy, ‘and there are no more of us except |
Julia. She’s the little one.’ |

‘¢¢ And do you try to be a good boy and
help your mother?’ said the lady.

_ **T help her as much as I can,’ said the

boy, proudly ; ‘and when a get to be a
man, she shall never be cold or hungry any

more.’ .