"That is true. There are some boys I know who would do well if their mothers were not shiftless and intemperate. You remember Tommy O'Connor, mother, don't you?"
"Yes, Paul."
"I met him in Nassau street yesterday. He was lounging about in rags, doing nothing. He asked me to lend him five cents. I asked him why he was not at work. He said his mother took all his money and spent it for drink. Then she got quarrelsome and beat him."
"How can any mother behave in that way?" said Mrs. Hoffman, shuddering.
"I don't know, but there is more than one mother that does it, though it's more likely to be the father."
The next day dawned bright and pleasant.
"Can I put on my new clothes, Paul?" asked Jimmy.
"Yes," said Paul. "It's Sunday, and we'll all put on our best clothes and go to church."
"I should like that," said the little boy, delighted.
Mrs. Hoffman readily agreed to the plan.