Christmas in the alley (5)

Christmas in the alley (5)

The house was on an alley, but as soon as she turned the corner she was in the bright streets, glittering with lamps and gay people.

The shop windows were brilliant with Christmas displays, and thousands of warmly dressed buyers were lingering before them, laughing and chatting, and selecting their purchases.

Surely it seemed as if there could be no want here.

As quickly as her burden would let her, the old washerwoman passed through the crowd into a broad street and rang the basement bell of a large, showy house.

"Oh, it's the washerwoman!" said a flashy-looking servant who answered the bell;
"set the basket right m here. Mrs. Keithe can't look them over to-night. There's company in the parlour - Miss Carry's Christmas party."

"Ask her to please pay me - at least a part," said old Ann hastily.
"I don't see how I can do without the money. I counted on it."

"I'll ask her," said the pert young woman, turning to go upstairs; "but it's no use."

(5/20)