A low voice with a good turn of expression and sweet cadence at the end of it, begged for a twelve-sous piece between them for the love of heaven. I thought it singular that a beggar should fix the quota of an alms, and that the sum should be twelve times as much as what is usually given in the dark. They both seemed astonished at it as much as myself. "Twelve sous," said one. "A twelve-sous piece," said the other, and made no reply.
The poor man said he knew not how to ask less of ladies of their rank, and bowed down his head to the ground.
"Pooh!" said they, "we have no money."
The beggar remained silent for a moment or two, and renewed his supplication.
"Do not, my fair young ladies," said he, "stop your good ears against me."
"Upon my word, honest man," said the younger, "we have no change."
"Then God bless you," said the poor man, "and multiply those joys which you can give to others without change."
I observed the older sister put her hand into her pocket. "I will see," said she, "if I have a sous."
"A sous! Give twelve," said the suppliant. "Nature has been bountiful to you; be bountiful to a poor man."
"I would, friend, with all my heart," said the younger, "if I had it."