Standing there sweeping, the horses' feet under.
See her close curls and her bright, beaming eye;
Though fearless, the glance, you perceive, is half shy, {333}
As so lightly she swings her wet broom, and so true,--
Let us cross, and we'll give her a penny or two.

But wait, now a passer-by hands her a penny;
Just see her bright glance twinkle over to Benny,
The little hunchback sitting there on the curb-stone,
Close up to the lamp-post, that he may disturb none.
His crutches beside him a sorry tale tell;
But see, he's a basket of knick-nacks to sell;
And a lady has bought for her child a toy whip,
And now from her port-monaie gives him the scrip,
But refuses the change,--and with tears in his eyes,
He thanks her and blesses, with grateful surprise;--
And the glance the boy now flashes over to Jenny,
Is as bright as she gave him when she got the penny.
O, I've seen them so many times! always together,
Always happy and cheery, in bright or dull weather;
For though he makes the most when it's fair, as they show me,
Yet she does the best when it's muddy and stormy.

Watch, now, her quick smile of such pleased recognition:--
To win it I oft come this way on my mission.
But see, she draws back as I offer the penny, {334}
And modestly says, "Madam, please keep the money,
For you know 'tis a pleasure to me to be sweeping
The path for you, lady;" and, all the time keeping
Her broom just before us to brush the least speck,
The sweet smiles in her eyes her whole being bedeck.
So I keep it, for she has as good claim as I
To the right to do favors and none will deny
That "It is more blessed to give than receive,"
And her sweep is far more than my pennies to give.
But we'll stop and see Benny, and make it up there,
For in all that each gets they will both have a share.
A nice little bib for my baby at home,--
A patent tape-measure, a mother-pearl comb;
And Benny's pale face lightens up with a glow
Such as angels rejoice in;--now, Maud, we must go.
But to Benny: "I'm thinking to-night I may come
And bring my friend with me, to see your new home."
"O, if you will!" says the child with delight
Rippling over his face like a sunbeam--and quite
As joyously, Jenny: "O, madam, please do,
For we've something at home that we want to show you!"

So when 'tis near night-fall we take the short car {335}
That off through West Fourth