"A loaf, please, mum," he said, placing the money on the counter. The woman gave him one. As he took it, he said with shaking voice:
"Where's the nearest hospital, mum, please?"
"The nearest hospital!" she ejaculated.
"Yes, mum, I'm feeling bad. I believe I'm sickening for something; the scarlet fever, I think."
"What!" she shrieked. "Get out of my shop."
He turned to obey.
"Here, take your money back," she said. He did so; and, offering the bread, said humbly:
"You'll take yer loaf, won't yer, mum?"
"Get out of my shop."
He crawled out, and with bowed head went around the corner. Presently, another mountain of misery joined him.