“SHE TURNED QUICKLY AND SAW STANDING THERE ONE OF THE BOYS.”
“Please, ma’am—” said a timid voice at the door.
She turned quickly and saw standing there one of the boys who had passed a moment before.
“Yes?” she questioned, encouragingly. “Come in, won’t you?”
The boy took off his cap and stepped bashfully across the threshold.
“Sit down here,” she said, and herself took the seat opposite. “Now what can I do for you?”
He glanced up into her eyes. There was no mistaking their kindliness, and he gathered a shade more confidence.
“Please, ma’am,” he said, “I wanted t’ ask you t’ read this bill t’ me,” and he produced from his pocket a gaudy circus poster. “They’s been put up down at th’ deepot,” he added, in explanation, “but none of us boys kin read ’em.”
She took the bill from him with quick sympathy.