Explore "Plain Living" by Rolf Boldrewood on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
"Well," said Laura, putting on a Scheherazade expression of countenance, "it appears that Miss Dacre, having been used to be good to the poor of the village near where they lived in England, could not get on without them. Much to her surprise, she found them scarce in the neighbourhood of Wantabalree. Mr. Dealerson did not ‘believe in' poor people, and generally ‘fed out,' ‘blocked,' or bought out small holders. At length, in one of her rides, she came upon an old couple living in a miserable hut, the man feeble and half-blind, both apparently destitute; their one little girl was barefooted and in rags. They told a pitiful story of having been deceived in the matter of a free selection-which, of course, she couldn't understand-and deserted by their children. Charmed by their evident poverty and artless expressions of gratitude, she gave them what silver she had, and promised them employment."
"Her intention was good," said Hubert. "I can guess the kind of people they were; but it speaks well for her kindness of heart."