"You must know there are some poor families living there that I am interested in," said Mrs. Hardwick, who appeared amused at something. "Didn't your mother ever tell you that it is our duty to help the poor?"
"Oh, yes, but won't it be late before we get to the lady?"
"No, there's plenty of time. You needn't be afraid of that. There's a poor man living in this house that I've made a good many clothes for, first and last."
"He must be much obliged to you," said Ida.
"We're going up to see him now," said her companion. "Take care of that hole in the stairs."
Somewhat to Ida's surprise, her guide, on reaching the first landing, opened a door without the ceremony of knocking, and revealed a poor, untidy room, in which a coarse, unshaven man was sitting, in his shirt sleeves, smoking a pipe.
"Hello!" exclaimed this individual, jumping up. "So you've got along, old woman! Is that the gal?"
Ida stared from one to the other in amazement.