“Very creditable of you, I’m sure,” remarked Peace, turning towards the stranger. “I am but a working man myself, as you see, but I will willingly give my mite.”
“Thank you. It is hardly fair, perhaps, to ask you, as you are a comparative stranger to us. Still, at the same time, it has been well said that many can help one.”
Peace put his hand in his pocket, and gave the man five shillings.
“I can’t afford much, but what I can spare you are welcome to,” remarked the burglar. “Totally unprovided for—are they?”
“Yes; I am sorry to say he was not in any benefit society, although he had put his name down in one, and would no doubt, have been elected at the next meeting.”
“All these things are sad, very sad. What does the widow purpose doing?”
“Well, I must tell you that the little sum subscribed, whatever it may be, will be applied to meet her immediate wants. After then we shall endeavour to raise a sum sufficient to set her up in business—some little shop, perhaps. Her husband’s employers have promised their assistance, and Mr. Knight, the organist at the church, has promised his services at a benefit concert we thought of giving.”
“Not a bad idea.”
“The rector will also give us his patronage, besides several other influential gentlemen in the town.”
“And I’m sure, Charlie, you will have no objection to give your services,” added Bessie.