In the midst stood the easel, supporting a large canvas, the artist's work on which showed already in a state of hopeful advancement.

"The Slummer" was his provisional name for this picture; he had not yet hit upon that more decorous title which might suit the Academy catalogue.

A glance discovered the subject.

In a typical London slum, between small and vile houses, which lowered upon the narrow way, stood a tall, graceful, prettily-clad young woman, obviously a visitant from other spheres; her one hand carried a book, and the other was held by a ragged, cripple child, who gazed up at her with a look of innocent adoration.

Hard by stood a miserable creature with an infant at her breast, she too adoring the representative of health, wealth, and charity.