 | Life and sayings of Mrs. Partington and others
of the family |  |
LEAF FROM PHILANTHROPOS' JOURNAL.
Monday morning, 7 A. M. — Summoned to the door
when shaving. A boy after cold victuals. Sorry we had
none. Ours were all hot. These evils come not as single
spies, but in battalions. Seven beggar boys in succession
for cold victuals. Strange that they should be so
anxious to have it cold. It shows a corrupt taste. Probably
the vitiating effect of poverty.
8 A. M. — Woman and child asking alms. Heart bled
for them. Strong smell of gin. Persuaded that it was
a gentle soporific for child, nothing more. Subject to
colic. Husband in California — been there three years.
Seven children dependent on her exertions. Did n't
seem to exert herself much. Promised to call and see
her.
9 A. M. — Foreigner with a certificate. Fine-looking
man. Certificate reads right. Signed “John Smith.”
Honest-sounding name! Think I 've heard it before.
Horrible volcano in Italy. Swallowed up his vineyard,
and threw him and a large family upon the world. Heaven
help him! Can't speak a word of English. Told me
so himself. Felt strongly inclined to aid him. Will
hand his name to the Wandering Samaritan Society.
10 A. M. — Dressed to go out. Gentleman, a stranger,
asked me if I had a ninepence in my pocket, and if I
would loan it to him to procure a letter from the post-office.
Sorry I had n't the precise amount, but gave him
Suppose it must be one of the new sub-offices.
11 A. M. — Asked by a little barefoot boy for a cent.
Implored me, for his mother's sake, to give him one.
Knew the deceptions of this kind of beggars, and refused.
The urchin called me a most scandalous name, and followed
behind me, repeating it, though several of my
friends were in hearing. Gave him a quarter to get rid
of him. Shall never forget the horrid leer he gave me.
Great depravity.
| Life and sayings of Mrs. Partington and others
of the family | |