"A thousand thanks for your generous kindness!" said the stranger, gratefully; "but"—and here he glanced at Paul's humble place of business—"can you spare this money?"
"Easily," said Paul. "I am doing very well, and saving up money every week."
"Then I will accept it. There are some kind hearts in the world. I felt very much depressed by the refusal I just received. It was a great sacrifice of pride for me to ask help of any one, but the thought of my little daughter removed all my scruples. I could bear privation and hunger myself, but I could not bear to see her suffer."
"Where do you live?" asked Paul.
"In Centre street. It is a miserable place, but all I can afford."
"May I ask your business?"
"I am an artist. I came from England, my native country, some months since, hoping to better my fortune here. But I fell sick in a short time, and continued so until a week since."
"You are not looking well."
"I have overcome my disease, but I need nourishing food, and I have not been able to buy it."
"How did you pay your expenses while you were sick?"