We left him hiding his face and rubbing his knees. The eldest girl was sitting on the step of the door, hushing the baby to sleep. Three or four others were making mud-pies just under the dunghill. Hannah Gray, their mother, was in the cottage, setting out the table for dinner; for it was near one o’clock. The potatoes, which formed their daily meal, were boiling on the fire. In answer to my mother’s inquiry how all went on at home, she answered that they were much as usual; that was, poorly off enough; for they had many mouths to fill, and but little to do it with. My mother thought that so fine-grown and healthy-looking as the children were, some of them might be able to bring in a little money. Their mother explained that the boys cut firing on the common and drove home the cow, and that Peggy nursed the baby. But she did not see how they could do anything more profitable. They were too young yet to work much, and would have hardship enough, poor things, when they grew up.—My mother believed that children thought it no hardship to be employed, but were proud to be useful, and often found their work as amusing as their play. “Well, ma’am,” said Hannah, “I am sure I do not know what work I could give them that they would like.” “Will you let me try?” inquired my mother. “I want a boy to clean the shoes and knives, and weed the flower-garden, and run errands; and I will make trial of your eldest boy, if you choose to let him come.” Hannah dropped a curtsey and looked very thankful, but said she was afraid Billy was not fit to go into a gentleman’s family, he was so unmannerly. My mother said she should not make that an objection, if he was a good boy; knowing as she did that those who wish to please soon learn the way. Hannah declared the boy to be a good boy, and very sharp-witted, considering how little he had been taught. How to get clothes for him, however, she did not know; for the rent had been paid the day before, and she had not a shilling at command. It was settled that he was to be clothed instead of having money-wages at first. On inquiring into the condition of his clothes, it appeared that he had neither shoes nor stockings. “I thought, Mrs. Gray,” said my mother, “that your children never went to church barefoot.” “They never did till lately, ma’am; but I cannot afford stockings for so many, nor shoes either; and they do not mind going without, poor things! I was so ashamed, ma’am, and my husband too, the first day they went to church on their bare feet. I thought everybody was taking notice, and I am sure the parson did when he spoke to us in the churchyard. But it can’t be helped.” “I am not quite sure of that,” replied my mother. “You know I promised that my house-maid should teach your girls to knit; but you have never sent them.” “Why, ma’am, I am not the less obliged to you; but they have no time, you see. There’s the baby to take care of.”