One day when their cab was waiting for a fare, Diamond jumped down to run a little and stretch his legs. He strolled up to the crossing where Nanny and her broom were to be found in all weathers. Just as he was going to speak to her a tall gentleman stepped upon the crossing. He was glad to find it clean and he gave the girl a penny. When she made him a courtesy, he looked at her again and said, "Where do you live, my child?"
"Paradise Row," she answered. "Next door to the Adam and Eve—down the area."
"Whom do you live with?" he asked.
"My wicked old granny," she replied.
"You should not call your granny wicked," said the gentleman.
"But she is!" said Nanny. "If you don't believe me, you can come and take a look at her."
The gentleman looked very grave at hearing her. It was not a nice way for a little girl to talk. He was turning away, when he saw the face of Diamond looking up into his own.
"Please," said Diamond, "her granny is very cruel to her sometimes—and shuts her out in the streets at night if she happens to be late."
"So, my little man. And what can you do?" asked the gentleman turning towards him.