"Come along, then, and step out. I'll keep my eye on you to see how you do it."
Taking Little Prue by the hand, he led her out of Roxy's Rents into the wider thoroughfares, to play her part in the sad drama of poverty that runs its everlasting course from year's end to year's end in this City of Unrest.
[CHAPTER XII.]
"Drip-Drip-Drip!"
As they issued from the hooded portal of Roxy's Rents, a woe-stricken woman approached the alley, and looked wearily around. Dark as was the night, and though years had passed since she had visited the locality, she had found her way without inquiry; but her steps faltered at the entrance to the narrow court, and her manner was that of one who was uncertain of the errand she had undertaken. To resolve her doubts, she accosted a young girl about to pass her:
"This is Roxy's Rents, isn't it?"
"Yes," replied the girl.
"Can you tell me if Mrs. Flower lives here?"
"Yes, the last house but one on the right; front room, ground floor."
"Is she at home, do you know?"