My mother's legacy got me many a sixpence which my
matches would never have charmed out of the pockets of strangers
if I had been an ugly child. My face. which was destined to be my
greatest misfortune in after-years, was my best friend in those
days.
"Is there anything, Mr. Holmcroft, in the life I am now trying to
describe which reminds you of a day when we were out walking
together not long since?
"I surprised and offended you, I remember; and it was not
possible for me to explain my conduct at the time. Do you
recollect the little wandering girl, with the miserable faded
nosegay in her hand, who ran after us, and begged for a
half-penny? I shocked you by bursting out crying when the child
asked us to buy her a bit of bread. Now you know why I was so
sorry for her. Now you know why I offended you the next day by
breaking an engagement with your mother and sisters, and going to
see that child in her wretched home. After what I have confessed,
you will admit that my poor little sister in adversity had the
first claim on me.
"Let me go on. I am sorry if I have distressed you. Let me go on.
"The forlorn wanderers of the streets have (as I found it) one
way always open to them of presenting their sufferings to the
notice of their rich and charitable fellow-creatures.
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