The sight of it rebuked me; and I had to conquer, with some force, an instinctive reluctance, before I could compel myself to put on a clean shirt, and snow-white vest, too recently from the hand of my unpaid washerwoman.
"One of the young ladies upon whom I called was more than a mere pleasant acquaintance.

(And here Mr.Smith glanced, with a tender smile, towards me.) My heart had, in fact been warming towards her for some time; and I was particularly anxious to find favor in her eyes.

On this evening she was lovelier and more attractive than ever.
"Judge then, of the effect produced upon me by the entrance of her mother--at the very moment when my heart was all a-glow with love, who said, as she came in-- "'Oh, dear! This is a strange world!' "'What new feature have you discovered now, mother ?' asked one of her daughters, smiling.
"'No new one, child; but an old one that looks more repulsive than ever,' was answered.

'Poor Mrs.Blake came to see me just now, in great trouble.' "'What about, mother ?' All the young ladies at once manifested unusual interest.
"Tell-tale blushes came instantly to my countenance, upon which the eyes of the mother turned themselves, as I felt, with a severe scrutiny.
"'The old story in cases like hers,' was answered.

'Can't get her money when earned, although, for daily bread, she is dependent on her daily labor.