These streets were quiet, with handsome houses on each side, and from one and another there came bursts of music and laughter as they passed by; yet Tony could catch most of the words which the old man was speaking.
[Illustration: NO ROOM FOR DOLLY] "Dear Lord," he said, "there's only room for seventy-five of thy little lambs that are pining and wasting away in every dark street and alley like mine.

Whatever can thy people be thinking about?
They've got their own dear little children, who are ill sometimes, spite of all their care; and they can send for the doctor, and do all that's possible, never looking at the money it costs; but when they are well again they never think of the poor little ones who are sick and dying, with nobody to help them or care for them as I care for this little one.

Oh, Lord, Lord! let my little love live! Yet thou knows what is best, and thou'lt do what is best.

Thou loves her more than I do; and see, Lord, she is very ill indeed." They reached home at last, after a weary and heartbroken journey, and carried Dolly in and laid her upon old Oliver's bed.

She was wide awake now, and looked very peaceful, smiling quietly into both their faces as they bent over her.