"I am sorry for it," she said, however, with greater gravity. "Are you travelling to seek the father?"
"Ah, madam! I shall never see him again!" And Alice wept.
"What!—he has abandoned you—so young, so beautiful!" added the lady to herself.
"Abandoned me!—no, madam; but it is a long tale. Good evening—I thank you kindly for your pity."
The lady's eyes ran over.
"Stay," said she; "tell me frankly where you are going, and what is your object."
"Alas! madam, I am going anywhere, for I have no home; but I wish to live, and work for my living, in order that my child may not want for anything. I wish I could maintain myself—he used to say I could."
"He!—your language and manner are not those of a peasant. What can you do? What do you know?"
"Music, and work, and—and—"
"Music!—this is strange! What were your parents?"