cquaintance with "the
Gentile." But, as she had told Helen, Sadie's mother had begun to break
away from some of the traditions of her people. She was fast becoming "a
United Stater," too.

She was a handsome, beaming woman, and she was as generous-hearted as
Sadie herself. The rooms were a little steamy, for Mrs. Goronsky had been
doing the family wash that morning. But the table was set neatly and the
food that came on was well prepared and--to Helen--much more acceptable
than the dainties she had been having at Uncle Starkweather's.

The younger children, who appeared for the meal, were right from the
street where they had been playing, or from work in neighboring factories,
and were more than a little grimy. But they were not clamorous and they
ate with due regard to "manners."

"Ve haf nine, Mees," said Mrs. Goronsky, proudly. "Undt they all are
healt'y--_ach! so_ healt'y. It takes mooch to feed them yet."

"Don't tell about it, Mommer" cried Sadie. "It aint stylish to have big
fam'lies no more. Don't I tell you?"

"What about that Preesident we hadt--that Teddy Sullivan--what said big
fam'lies was a good d'ing? Aindt that enough? Sure, Sarah, a _Preesident_
iss stylish."

"Oh, Mommer!" screamed Sadie. "You gotcher politics mixed. 'Sullivan' is
the district leader wot gifs popper a job; but 'Teddy' was the President
yet. You ain't never goin' to be real American."

But her mother only laughed. Indeed, the light-heartedness of these poor
people was a revelation to Helen. She had supposed vaguely that very poor
people must be all the time serious, if not actually in tears.

"Now, Helen, we'll rush right back to the shop and I'll make Old Yawcob
sell you a bargain. She's goin' to get her new dress, Mommer. Ain't that
fine?"

"Sure it iss," declared the good woman. "Undt you get her a bargain,
Sarah."

"_Don't_ call me 'Sarah,' Mommer!" cried the daughter. "It ain't stylish,
I tell you. Call me 'Sadie.'"

Her mother kissed her on both plump cheeks. "What matters it, my little
lamb?" she said, in their own tongue. "Mother love makes _any_ name
sweet."

Helen did not, of course, understand these words; but the caress, the look
on their faces, and the way Sadie returned her mother's kiss made a great
lump come into the orphan girl's throat. She could hardly find her way in
the dim hall to the stairway, she was so blinded by tears.

CHAPTER XV

"STEP--PUT; STEP--PUT"

An hour later Helen was dres