As she waited for the water she called the three strange children to her side.

The oldest was a girl of thirteen, with a face uncommonly refined and attractive.

In spite of her threadbare clothes, she had a neat and cleanly look and gentle manners.

The youngest was a boy of four.

They were a pathetic trio.
Joe had been telling them about Santa Claus and showing them a jack-knife which had come down the chimney in his pack at Christmas time and describing a dress of his mother's that had gold and silver buttons on it.