It was the season for hop-gathering at the time.

I got employment among the hop-pickers next; and that done, I went to London with my new friends.
"I have no wish to weary and pain you by dwelling on this part of my childhood in detail.

It will be enough if I tell you that I sank lower and lower until I ended in selling matches in the street.

My mother's legacy got me many a sixpence which my matches would never have charmed out of the pockets of strangers if I had been an ugly child.

My face.
which was destined to be my greatest misfortune in after-years, was my best friend in those days.
"Is there anything, Mr.Holmcroft, in the life I am now trying to describe which reminds you of a day when we were out walking together not long since?
"I surprised and offended you, I remember; and it was not possible for me to explain my conduct at the time.