'I've got no money, sir.'
I knew of a doctor of fair repute who was popular among the poor, and whose charge was eighteenpence a visit, with medicine included. I gave Blade-o'-Grass three shillings, and told her it would pay for two visits. She thanked me with tears in her eyes, and said that she would run for the doctor immediately I was gone.
'I wish to say a few words to you first, my dear; I will not detain you long.'
She placed a chair for me, and stood before me.
'Where is Tom?' I asked.
'I don't know, sir; I ain't seed 'im all day.'
'It is about him I wish to speak, Blade-o'-Grass.'
She looked distressed; but I was not to be discouraged.
'Is it not possible,' I continued, 'for him to get a living in any other way than the way he does?'
''Ow do I know, sir? I think Tom 'd do anythink to earn a pound a week. A pound a week! 'Ow 'appy we should be then! But 'ow's he to do it, sir? Tell us the way, sir.'