There was a poor room to be sure, with not much in it.

A woman was taking some hot bread, just baked, out of a little cooking stove.
Daisy saw the little girl standing by; it was the right place.
"Well!" said the woman looking up at Daisy from her stove oven--"what is it ?" She looked pale and unhappy, and her words were impatient.

Daisy was half afraid.
"I am Daisy Randolph"-- she began gently.
"Go on," said the woman, as Daisy hesitated.
"I was in Mr.Lamb's store just now, when your little girl came to buy some ham." "Well!--what then ?" "Mr.Lamb said he would not cut any, and she was obliged to go without it." "Well, what have you to do with all that ?" "I was sorry she was disappointed," said Daisy more steadily; "and as Mr.Lamb would not cut one for her I have brought a whole one--if you will please accept it.

It is at the gate, because the boy could not leave the horses." The woman set her bread on the floor, left the oven door open, and rose to her feet.
"What did you tell her, Hephzibah ?" she said in a threatening voice.
"I didn't tell her nothing," said the girl hurriedly--"I never spoke to her." "How did she know what you came for ?" "I was so near," said Daisy bravely, though she was afraid, "that I couldn't help hearing." "Well what business was it of yourn ?" said the woman turning upon her.
"If we are poor, we don't throw it in anybody's face; and if you are rich, you may give charity to those that ask it.

_We_ never asked none of you--and don't want it." "I am not rich," said Daisy gently, though she coloured and her eyes were full of tears;--"I did not mean to offend you; but I thought you wanted the ham, and I had money enough to get it.