Two other children are engaged at a little distance in making a lean cur beg for a mouthful of bread, which the generous urchins would evidently rather share with the dog than eat alone.
The one prevailing feature of the party is rags, and how they hold together no tongue can tell.
At last there is a general movement, as well as general clamour of voices and much gesticulation.

All, old and young, with the exception of the girl, gather round the woman in the red cloak, and seem to be urging her to do something that she does not like to do.

They point to the girl, and the appeal is not in vain.
The woman moves slowly and somewhat sulkily towards one of the boys, takes him by the hand, and returning to the gate, opens it, and walks down the good broad road that leads to the farm, the boy trotting by her side.

We watch the bright red cloak till it disappears amongst the trees that surround the house; and turn again to wonder what can be the matter with the girl.

She neither moves nor speaks, although her kindly companions in turn endeavour to attract her attention.
In the course of a few minutes the red cloak is again seen coming up the road, closely followed by another figure.