The judge’s wife dropped her eyes and seemed in doubt for an instant as to whether to be angry or only amused.  Finally she looked up frankly and said,

“Mr. Kimper, you’re a parent and so am I. I see you have been putting yourself in my place.  It is quite natural that you should do so, and it is very creditable to you that you have done it in the way you have.  You are quite right in your surmise; but may I ask why you have spoken to me about it in this way?”

“That’s just what I was comin’ to, ma’am,” said the cobbler.  “I’ve got a daughter, too.  I suppose you think she ain’t fit to be mentioned in the same day with that glorious gal of yours.”

“Oh, Mr. Kimper!” murmured the lady.

“Well if you don’t, I don’t see how you can help doin’ it; that’s all.  Your daughter is a lady.  She shows in her everythin’ that there is in her father and mother, an’ everybody knows that they’re the finest people hereabouts.  My child is the daughter of a thief an’ a brawler an’ a loafer, an’ she’s a servant in a common hotel, which is about as low down, I s’pose, as any gal can get in this town that don’t go to the bad entirely.  Mrs. Prency, that gal has broke my heart.  I don’t have no influence over her at all.  You want me to help you out about your daughter.  I am goin’ to do it just as far as heaven will give me the strength to do it.  Now I want to throw myself right at your feet an’ beg you, for the love of God, to try to do somethin’ for my child.”

“Why, Mr. Kimper, certainly,” said the judge’s wife.  “I am very glad you spoke to me about her.  But, really, I have tried to do a great deal for her.  While you were away I used to send clothing to your wife for her, so that the child might be able always to make a proper appearance at school.”

“Yes, ma’am, so you did,” said the cobbler, “an’ it’s a shame that I should ask anythin’ else of you, for I know you’re generous-hearted, an’ the Lord knows there’s enough other poor an’ wretched people in this town that needs lookin’ after, an’ I know you’re doin’ a good deal for all of ’em.  But this ain’t a matter of poverty, Mrs. Prency; it goes a good deal deeper than that.  I’m not thinkin’ about her appearance; she’s better dressed now than she ort to be, though I don’t think she shows much good taste in what she buys to put on her.  But I want to have somebody take some interest in her that’ll make her change her thoughts an’ feelin’s about the way she’s livin’ an’ the kind o’ company she’s keepin’.”

The judge’s wife looked thoughtful, and Sam contemplated her with wistful eyes.  There was a long silence.  When at last Mrs. Prency spoke she said,—­

“Mr. Kimper, I think I know what you mean, but I am puzzled as to what I can do and how I can do it.  Can you suggest anything?”