Who would have thought that that cross old madwoman would have turned so kindly disposed towards the poor and sick as she hath done ?" There were many amongst her former friends and acquaintances who would have asked that question, had they been there to ask it.

Lady Scrope had never been credited with charitable feelings; and yet it was her doing that a large house, her own property, next door to the small one she chose to inhabit, had been made over to the magistrates and authorities of the city at this time, for the housing of orphaned children whose parents had perished of the plague, and who were thrown upon the charity of strangers, or upon those entrusted with the care of the city at this crisis.
True, the house was standing empty and desolate.

Its tenants had fled, taking their goods with them.

All that was left of plenishing belonged to Lady Scrope.

Pallets were easily provided by the officers of health, and the place was speedily filled with little children, who were tenderly cared for by Gertrude, Janet, and Rebecca (who had joined her sister in this labour of love), all three having given themselves up to this work, and finding their hands too full to desire other occupation abroad.
Joseph and Benjamin had of course heard all about this, and knew exactly where to find the house.