Poor and Proud; Or, The Fortunes of Katy Redburn: A Story for Young Folks

disappointment. "I can't get those words out of my head, since you have told me about my f

with your lot. I have suffered so much that I cannot help repining a little, though I feel

isfortunes were all for the best, it was only an impulse derived from the story of her father; a kind of philosophy which was very convenient for the evil day, because it permitted the sufferer to lie down and take things eas

he watch seemed to convey a new meaning to her, as she considered them in the light of Christian revelation. They were not the basis of a cold philosophy; they assured her of the paternal care of God. The thought strengthened and revived her, and when Katy appeared to announce a new trial, she re

y seemed to open a new era in her existence. She felt strong for the work before her, and resolved to lose not a single day in putting her resolution i

ea. The morning sun would shine upon them again, bringing another day of want and wretchedness, but the poor girl ban

At one o'clock the next day Dr. Flynch would come for the rent again and her mother could not pay him. She felt assured he was cold and cruel enough to execute his wicked threat to turn them out of the house, though her mother had not b

shed by her deep slumbers, and got up feeling like a new creature. She had scarcely made a fire and put on the tea-kettle, before a knock at the door startled her. Who could wish to see them in th

little basket he had brought. "Mother sent this ov

same. What is in t

" and he turn

y," called Katy. "I

what

ld anybody abou

ut w

day," replied Katy, han

do you

ty blushed as though it was a crime

that is, I hain't to

d, if she is poor; but she wasn't always so poor as s

on't s

a word about it to anybody but your m

, mother won't sa

all about it. Thank you for

noble, generous boy leaped down the s

ked Mrs. Redburn, as she entered th

basket, and took out a plate of butter and half a dozen hot bisc

woman, a flush gathering on her pale cheek. "Have y

sked for the flounders yesterday; he to

an beg, Katy; but I can

ll no

send those

hink that God sent us this food through Mrs. Howa

ou pleas

ble to pay her; and that

artily. Her pride was not inflated by the remembrance of

ther she should be back by twelve o'clock. She would not tell her where s

ike to enter the store; so she waited on the sidewalk for half an hour, hoping he would come out. As he did not appear, her impatience wou

lerk. "Here, Simon, is one of

uation of the salesman and wished Katy had been on the other side of the oce

t not enough that I am willing to help you, without your

in it. I waited outside for half

heart prevented him from uttering the unkind words that had been on his tongue. "I suppose you come t

Mrs. Gordon lives," replied Katy, very sad

over back of the State Hous

o you suppose you can

y story, you may depend upon it he will get the watc

the adventure of the previous day, she had entertained some slight

a long and extremely interesting conversation with

r whatever faults he had, he never made up a story out of whole cloth. It was undeniably true that he had conversed with the mayor for ten full minutes, at the time and place represented. Simon had been se

as the store of a celebrated confectioner. In the window, with sundry sugar temples, cob houses of braided candy and stacks of cake, was a gre

know just how it is done," said she to herself. "W

could find purchasers enough, if her merchandise only looked clean and good. It was a great deal better than begging, and she thought her mother would conse

molasses candy. With her brain almost reeling with the immensity and magnificence of her scheme, she reached Temple Street. After a little search, she found the number of Mrs. Gordon's residence on a splendid house, whose grandness q

at the call of a beggar," replied the well-fed s

, with spirit, her cheek reddeni

her; so go abou

el?" said a gent

ee Mrs. Gordon," replied the man; and then

m not. I want to see Mrs. Gordon very

autiful lady, and she bade her come in. Katy entered, and Michael told her