No More Learning

Don't hit a woman when she's
down. Can't we do anything? She was simply dropping with starvation. She
almost fell into my arms, and when she got to the food she ate like a
wild beast. It was horrible. "

"I can give her money, which she would probably spend in drinks. Is she
going to sleep for ever? "

The girl opened her eyes and glared at the men between terror and
effrontery.

"Feeling better? " said Torpenhow.

"Yes. Thank you. There aren't many gentlemen that are as kind as you
are. Thank you. "

"When did you leave service?
" said Dick, who had been watching the
scarred and chapped hands.

"How did you know I was in service? I was. General servant. I didn't
like it. "

"And how do you like being your own mistress? "

"Do I look as if I liked it? "

"I suppose not. One moment. Would you be good enough to turn your face
to the window? "

The girl obeyed, and Dick watched her face keenly,--so keenly that she
made as if to hide behind Torpenhow.

"The eyes have it," said Dick, walking up and down. "They are superb
eyes for my business. And, after all, every head depends on the eyes.
This has been sent from heaven to make up for--what was taken away.
Now the weekly strain's off my shoulders, I can get to work in earnest.