to find something pleasant to talk about; for she was a kind little
soul.

"No, miss; I've got no folks at all."

"Oh, dear; how sad! Why, who takes care of you?" cried Belle,
looking quite distressed.

"No one; I take care of myself. I work for Madame, and she pays me a
dollar a week. I stay with Mrs. Brown, and chore round to pay for my
keep. My dollar don't get many clothes, so I can't be as neat as I'd
like." And the forlorn look came back to poor Lizzie's face.

Belle said nothing, but sat among the sofa cushions, where she had
thrown herself, looking soberly at this other girl, no older than
she was, who took care of herself and was all alone in the world. It
was a new idea to Belle, who was loved and petted as an only child
is apt to be. She often saw beggars and pitied them, but knew very
little about their wants and lives; so it was like turning a new
page in her happy life to be brought so near to poverty as this
chance meeting with the milliner's girl.

"Aren't you afraid and lonely and unhappy?" she said, slowly,
trying to understand and put herself in Lizzie's place.

"Yes; but it's no use. I can't help it, and may be things will get
better by and by, and I'll have my wish," answered Lizzie, more
hopefully, because Belle's pity warmed her heart and made her
troubles seem lighter.