There was a look of meek submission on her pale face, that went to the heart of Walter.
"Yet give to him, Nelly, let him share that loaf—'He that giveth to the poor lendeth to the Lord.'"
Nelly smiled, and set the bread upon the table.
"God bless you, and reward you a thousandfold!" said the guest—not touching, however, the proffered food, but looking around the comfortless abode with an expression of interest and sadness.
"Is this house yours?" he at last said to Walter, fixing his dark eyes earnestly upon him.
"Oh no! It belongs to my adopted father, whose name you see over the gate."
"And your name?" said the stranger.
"Is Walter Binning."
The guest remained silent, and the silence lasted so long, that at length it became painful, and Nelly, in order to break it said:
"I fear that you have known much sorrow?"