s features. Paul noticed it, and his heart
was filled with compassion. He saw that the man was not a common
street beggar; that, except under the pressure of necessity, he would
not have asked help. Stepping up to him as he was slowly moving away,
Paul said, gently: "Can I assist you in any way, sir?"
The other turned at the words.
"I am in great need of help," he said. "I am without money, and I have
a little daughter at home who wants bread."
As he said this he came near breaking down.
"Let me help you," said Paul; and he drew a dollar from his pocket and
passed it to the applicant.
"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?"
"I brought over with me a small sum of money, and by great economy I
made it last till a week since. I am unknown, and, though I have two
pictures finished, I cannot sell them. I was told that America was a
good country for the poor; but I do not find it so for me."
"It may be, after you are known."
"But what shall I do in the meantime?"
Here an idea came to Paul. He had long intended to obtain a teacher of
drawing for Jimmy. It would be a charity to employ this poor artist if
he were competent.
"Did you ever give lessons in drawing?" he asked.
"Yes; I gave lessons in England. I would gladly find scholars here,
but I am not known."
"I have a little brother who has a great taste for drawing," said
Paul. "You may begin with him."
"Thank you," sai
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