"Nothing for myself. I shall soon be where want and sorrow shall never enter; but it is hard to leave my boy alone."
"Is he your only child?"
"The only one left of five. He will soon be an orphan."
Mr. Curtis stood a moment gazing about as if trying to judge from the surroundings something of the character of the inmates, when he caught a glimpse of Bertie.
The boy's eyes were fixed on his face with such an eager, wistful gaze, as if he wondered his father did not offer relief, that he resolved at once to befriend the orphan.
"You say," he began, "that you hope soon to be in heaven. Cannot you cast your care for your child on your heavenly Father?"
"I have tried to; but sometimes my faith is weak. He has been taught his duty to God. I"—
A fit of coughing interrupted her, after which, Mr. Curtis hastened to say:
"I will be a friend to your boy. I must leave you now; but here is a sum of money, you will need for immediate wants. I will try and call again before night. In the meantime, what is your name?"
"Martha Washburn."