His sharp, bluish-pale face lighted up with an unnatural glow of delight as he seized the tempting prize; and as he turned away, I said, kindly,—
“Have you been selling papers, sonny?”
“Yes, sir; buy one?” he replied, with an eye yet to business.
“Yes; and have you any more pennies?”
“No, sir.” And he dropped his head in confusion.
“How much have you made to-day?” I next inquired.
“Seventeen cents, sir.”
“And expended it all for candy, I suppose.”
Receiving an affirmative reply, I next kindly questioned him respecting his family. His mother was a widow, very poor, and I asked him,—
“What will she say when you return with no money to show for your day’s work?”