150 THE COUSINS.

countenance which said very plainly, ‘I would
rather not |”

“Yes; but do not be frightened, my dear, at
the idea of making a visit; it is only to one
of your mamma’s poor friends, who, she heard
yesterday, has been very ill since we were in
the country. As she is one who suffers very
much, and who has very little of this world’s
goods, I thought it would please you to go with
me, and take her some niceties which mamma
has prepared for her; but if you do not wish
to go—”

“Oh, yes, papa, I should like it very much,”
said Luey, who had often attended her mother
on her charitable errands, and who was very
compassionate to the poor.

Mrs. Lovett put some cakes and some light
biscuits into a pretty covered basket, and Mr.
Lovett taking it on his arm, Lucy and he set
out together. Instead of going in the direction
of Washington Park, Mr. Lovett turned away
from it; and after walking several blocks, he
stopped at a gate, and, opening it, passed through
into an alley which led to an old house, with steps