In an agricultural country poverty does not, as elsewhere, almost inevitably involve moral destitution, that degeneration of the entire human being which renders charity so difficult.

Most of the poor persons whom Francis knew were in straits because of war, of bad harvests, or of illness.

In such cases material succor is but a small part.

Sympathy is the thing needed above all.
Francis had treasures of it to lavish upon them.
He was well requited.

All sorrows are sisters; a secret intelligence establishes itself between troubled hearts, however diverse their griefs.