But as the years rolled on the incident appeared in a new light--a striking example of the great preacher's wonderful considerateness.
Edward had offered to help Mr.Beecher with his correspondence; at the close of one afternoon, while he was with the Plymouth pastor at work, an organ-grinder and a little girl came under the study window.

A cold, driving rain was pelting down.

In a moment Mr.Beecher noticed the girl's bare toes sticking out of her worn shoes.
He got up, went into the hall, and called for one of his granddaughters.
"Got any good, strong rain boots ?" he asked when she appeared.
"Why, yes, grandfather.

Why ?" was the answer.
"More than one pair ?" Mr.Beecher asked.
"Yes, two or three, I think." "Bring me your strongest pair, will you, dear ?" he asked.

And as the girl looked at him with surprise he said: "Just one of my notions." "Now, just bring that child into the house and put them on her feet for me, will you ?" he said when the shoes came.