"'What ways do you refer to?'
"'Well, sir, I've seen her selling papers in the streets----'
"'That's not a crime,' interposed our reporter; 'especially if she does it for food.'
"'If you won't mind my saying so,' said Mrs. Middlemore, with considerable dignity, 'I consider it low; but that's not so bad as selling matches, which is next door to begging.'
"'But she doesn't beg?'
"'No, I don't think she goes as low as that.'
"'Nor steal?'
"'No,' replied Mrs. Middlemore, with spirit, 'she'll take anything that's give to her, but's as honest as the sun, I'll say that of her.'
"'All that you've told me of Sophy, Mrs. Middlemore, is in her favor, and I have already a sneaking regard for her.'
"'Lord, sir!' exclaimed Mrs. Middlemore, misconstruing the sentiment, 'and you the gentleman that you are!'