"
"Well, my child, if you are sorry, and want to lead a different life,
come to me at the mission and I will try to help you."
The priest, with a not unkindly good-by, passed on. The girl stood a
moment irresolute, and then went on her way heavily and despondent.
What good would it do her to go to the mission now?
Three days later Dr. Leigh was waiting at the mission chapel to speak
with the rector after the vesper service. He came out pale and weary,
and the doctor hesitated to make known her errand when she saw how
exhausted he was.
"Did you wish me for anything?" he asked, after the rather forced
greeting.
"If you feel able. There is a girl at the Woman's Hospital who wants to
see you."
"Who is it?"
"It is the girl you saw on the street the other afternoon; she said she
had spoken to you."
"She promised to come to the mission."
"She couldn't. I met the poor thing the same afternoon. She looked so
aimless and forlorn that, though I did not remember her at first, I
thought she might be ill, and spoke to her, and asked her what was the
matter. At first she said nothing except that she was out of work and
felt miserable; but the next moment she broke down completely, and said
she hadn't a friend in the world.
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