“Is she alone?”

“Yes, sir.”

“What does she want?”

“She did not say, sir.”

“Very well.  Tell her I’ll be down in a few moments.”

When I entered the parlour, I found a woman, dressed in mourning, with her veil closely drawn.

“Mr. G——?” she said, in a low, sad voice.

I bowed, and took a place upon the sofa where she was sitting, and from which she had not risen upon my entrance.

“Pardon the great liberty I have taken,” she began, after a pause of embarrassment, and in an unsteady voice.  “But, I believe I have not mistaken your character for sympathy and benevolence, nor erred in believing that your hand is ever ready to respond to the generous impulses of our heart.”

I bowed again, and my visiter went on.

“My object in calling upon you I will briefly state.  A year ago my husband died.  Up to that time I had never known the want of anything that money could buy.  He was a merchant of this city, and supposed to be in good circumstances.  But he left an insolvent estate; and now, with five little ones to care for, educate, and support, I have parted with nearly my last dollar, and have not a single friend to whom I can look for aid.”

There was a deep earnestness and moving pathos in the tones of the woman’s voice, that went to my heart.  She paused for a few moments, overcome with her feelings, and then resumed:—­

“One in an extremity like mine, sir, will do many things from which, under other circumstances she should shrink.  This is my only excuse for troubling you at the present time.  But I cannot see my little family in want without an effort to sustain them; and, with a little aid, I see my way clear to do so.  I was well educated, and feel not only competent, but willing to undertake a school.  There is one, the teacher of which being in bad health, wishes to give it up, and if I can get the means to buy out her establishment, will secure an ample and permanent income for my family.  To aid me, sir, in doing this, I now make an appeal to you.  I know you are able, and I believe you are willing to put forth your hand and save my children from want, and, it may be, separation.”

The woman still remained closely veiled; I could not, therefore, see her face.  But I could perceive that she was waiting with trembling suspense for my answer.  Heaven knows my heart responded freely to her appeal.

“How much will it take to purchase this establishment?” I inquired.

“Only a thousand dollars,” she replied.

I was silent.  A thousand dollars!

“I do not wish it, sir, as a gift,” she said “only as a loan.  In a year or two I will be able to repay it.”

“My dear madam,” was my reply, “had I the ability most gladly would I meet your wishes.  But, I assure you I have not.  A thousand dollars taken from my business would destroy it.”

A deep sigh, that was almost a groan, came up from the breast of the stranger, and her head dropped low upon her bosom.  She seemed to have fully expected the relief for which she applied; and to be stricken to the earth by my words!  We were both unhappy.