No and Other Stories: WILLY AND THE BEGGAR GIRL

Name: No and Other Stories: WILLY AND THE BEGGAR GIRL
Author: Uncle Humphrey

Willy is a young boy who lives in a small village. He is a kind and generous boy who loves to help others. One day, he meets a beggar girl who is living on the streets. She is desperate and hungry, and Willy takes pity on her. He gives her some food and a place to stay for the night. The next day, Willy takes the beggar girl to the village square, where he introduces her to the other villagers. Everyone is kind and welcoming to the girl, and they all offer her food and shelter. Willy and the beggar girl become friends, and Willy helps her find a job in the village. With Willy's help, the beggar girl is able to make a new life for herself. At the end of the story, Willy and the beggar girl part ways, but they remain friends forever. Willy's kindness and generosity have changed the beggar girl's life, and she is forever grateful.

By Uncle Humphrey · First published 1851 · Genre: Fiction, Short Story, Children's Literature · 657 words

First lines

"An apple, dear mother!" Cried Willy one day, Coming in, with his cheeks Glowing bright, from his play. "I want a nice apple, A large one, and red." "For whom do you want it?" His kind mother said. "You know a big apple I gave you at noon; And now for another, My boy, it's too soon." "There's a poor little girl At the door, mother dear," Said Will, while within His mild eye shone a tear. "She says, since last evening She's eaten no bread; Her feet are all naked And bare is her head. Like me, she's no mother To love her, I'm sure, Or she'd not look so hungry, And ragged, and poor. "Let me give her an apple; She wants one, I know; A nice, large, red apple O! do not say no." First a kiss to the lips Of her generous boy, Mamma gave with a feeling Of exquisite joy For goodness, whene'er In a child it is seen, Gives joy to the heart Of a mother, I ween And then led her out, where, Still stood by the door, A poor little beggar-girl, Ragged all o'er. "Please ma'am, I am hungry," The little thing said, "Will you give me to eat A small piece of bread?" "Yes, child, you shall have it; But who sends you out From dwelling to dwelling To wander about?" A pair of mild eyes To the lady were raised; "My mother's been sick For a great many days So sick she don't know me." Sobs stifled the rest And heaved with young sorrow That innocent breast. Just then from the store-room Where wee Willy run, As his mother to question The poor child begun Came forth the sweet boy, With a large loaf of bread, Held tight in his tiny hands High o'er his head. "Here's bread, and a plenty! Eat, little girl, eat!" He cried, as he laid The great loaf at her feet. The mother smiled gently, Then, quick through the door Drew the sad little stranger, So hungry and poor. With words kindly spoken She gave her nice food, And clothed her with garments All clean, warm and good. This done, she was leading Her out, when she heard Willy coming down stairs, Like a fluttering bird. A newly bought leghorn, With green bow and band. And an old, worn out beaver He held in his hand. "Here! give her my new hat," He cried; "I can wear My black one all summer It's good -- you won't care "Say! will you, dear mother?" First out through the door, She passed the girl kindly; Then quick from the floor Caught up the dear fellow, Kissed and kissed him again, While her glad tears fell freely O'er his sweet face like rain.

What this Textopian page supports

No and Other Stories: WILLY AND THE BEGGAR GIRL is listed on Textopian as a short story by Uncle Humphrey, dated 1851 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Uncle Humphrey
Date: 1851 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fiction, Short Story, Children's Literature, Fantasy
Length: 657 words
Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

Good citation fit

Work identity for No and Other Stories: WILLY AND THE BEGGAR GIRL by Uncle Humphrey
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering No and Other Stories: WILLY AND THE BEGGAR GIRL?
How does this short story by Uncle Humphrey fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Fiction — The title suggests that the book is a collection of stories, which is a common format for fiction.
Short Story — The title suggests that the book is a collection of stories, which is a common format for short stories.
Children's Literature — The author, Uncle Humphrey, is often associated with children's literature.
Fantasy — The title suggests that the book may contain elements of fantasy, such as magical creatures or events.