BEGINNING ACQUAINTANCE I drew in my breath sharply, my lips set in a straight line.

Already had I half-suspicioned this truth, and yet there was that about the girl--her manner, her words, even her dress--which would not permit me to class her among the homeless, the city outcasts.
"You mean that you are actually upon the streets, with--with no place to _go_ ?" She did not answer, her head bowed, her face suddenly showing white and haggard.

I stared at her with swift realization.
"My God, girl! and--and I actually believe you are hungry!" Her eyes uplifted to my face dumb with agony, her hand grasp upon the rail tightening.

Then she pitifully endeavored to smile.
"I--I am afraid I am, just a little." She acknowledged slowly, as though the words were wrung out of her.
I straightened up, with shoulders flung back.

All that was strong, determined in my nature, came leaping to the surface.