e heard a horrible
burst of feminine laughter behind her. It must be the woman--the same
woman who had spoken so softly and despondently about the poor children.

She felt half angry with the man who had brought about this startling
change, and as they now walked side by side up the street she listened
to him with a cold and distant expression.

But gradually her bearing changed; there was really so much in what he
said.

The poor-law inspector told her what a pleasure it was to him to find a
lady like Mrs. Warden so compassionate towards the poor. Though it was
much to be deplored that even the most well-meant help so often
came into unfortunate hands, yet there was always something fine and
ennobling in seeing a lady like Mrs. Warden--

"But," she interrupted, "aren't these people in the utmost need of help?
I received the impression that the woman in particular had seen better
days, and that a little timely aid might perhaps enable her to recover
herself."

"I am sorry to have to tell you, madam," said the poor-law inspector, in
a tone of mild regret, "that she was formerly a very notorious woman of
the town."

Mrs. Warden shuddered.

She had spoken to such a woman, and spoken about children. She had
even mentioned her own child, lying at home in its innocent cradle. She
almost felt as though she must hasten home to make sure it was still as
clean and wholesome as before.

"And the young girl?" she asked, timidly.

"No doubt you noticed her--her condition."

"No. You mean--"

The fat gentleman whispered some words.

Mrs. Warden started: "By the man!--the man of the house?"

"Yes, madam, I am sorry to have to tell you so; but you can understand
that these people--" and he whispered again.

This was too much for Mrs. Warden. She turned almost dizzy, and accepted
the gentleman's arm. They now walked rapidly towards the carriage, which
was standing a little farther off than the spot at which she had left
it.

For the immovable one had achieved a feat which even the humorist had
acknowledged with an elaborate oath.

After sitting for some time, stiff as a poker, he had backed his sleek
horses, step by step, until they reached a spot where the street widened
a little, though the difference was imperceptible to any other eyes than
those of an accomplished coachman.

A whole pack of ragged children swarmed about the carriage, and did all
they could to upset the composure of the sleek steeds. But the sp