human
Papa, what do you think?
gpt
Oh, I think ever so many things,
human
Now, you naughty man, you're going to tease again. But I've begun wrong way about, as usual. I want to ask a favour.
gpt
I expected as much, Eva, said her father, smiling.
human
But how many more Christmas presents will you want?
gpt
But this is not a present exactly.
human
Oh, indeed,
gpt
Now, don't be a tease, she said, pulling his whiskers,
human
I'm all attention, my dear.
gpt
You want a little boy to run errands and sweep out the office, and do little odd jobs, don't you?
human
Well, who has been telling you that?
gpt
Nobody, papa; I only wanted to know, you see. So you do, don't you?
human
Well, I shall the beginning of the year, for the boy I have is leaving. But what has that to do with my little girl?
gpt
Well, papa, our teacher is always telling us that we ought to be little missionaries, and lend a helping hand to the needy whenever possible, and do all the good we can.
human
Quite right, my dear; but I can't see yet what my little girl is driving at.
gpt
Well, she was telling us only last Sunday that lots of people would be better if they had better surroundings; and that if something could be done to get those little street Arabs more out of the reach of temptation, they might grow up to be good and honest men and women.
human
Well, Eva?
gpt
Well, papa, I should like for you to give one of those little street boys a chance.
human
Who do you mean?
gpt
That poor boy I gave the shilling to on the landing-stage the other day, don't you remember--when you called me a silly girl?
human
And were you not silly, Eva?
gpt
No, papa, I don't think I was; for I am sure the boy is not bad, he has such honest eyes. And he said he had no father, nor mother, nor brother, nor sister, and he seemed in such trouble.
human
Well, my child?
gpt
You know now what I mean, papa. I confess I had quite forgotten the poor boy till this afternoon I saw him standing in front of the house. I had been singing 'Love at Home,' and he had been listening, I think; and I fancy it had made him sad, for his eyes were full of tears, but when he saw he was noticed he hurried away as quickly as possible.
human
And suppose I should decide to employ this boy, Eva, where should I find him?
gpt
Oh, he said he was nearly always on the landing-stage. He sold matches there, except when he was running errands.
human
Well, I will think about it, Eva.
gpt
Oh, promise, papa, there's a good man.
human
I don't believe in making rash promises, Eva, said Mr. Lawrence kindly;
gpt
Carry yer bag, sir?