"What is it?"
"It puzzles me, sir. I was going to say, God could make it all better; and why don't he?"
"He will do everything for us, Matilda," said her friend gravely, "except those things he has given us to do. He will help us to do those; but he will not prevent the consequences of our idleness or disobedience. Those we must suffer; and others suffer with us, and because of us."
"But then"—said Matilda looking up,—"the rich ought to take care of the poor."
"That is what the Lord meant we should do. We ought to find them work, and see that they get proper pay for it; and not let them die of hunger or disease in the mean while."
"Well, why don't people do so?" said Matilda.
"Some try. But in general, people have not come yet to love their neighbours as themselves."
"Thank you, Mr. Wharncliffe," Matilda said, as he stopped at the foot of Mrs. Lloyd's steps.
He smiled, and inquired, "For what?"
"For taking me there."