"Do I not beg
of you? What is a beggar? 'One who begs or entreats earnestly or with
humility; a petitioner.' That is how your dictionary has it. It does
n't say for what he begs or entreats. Where I come from things are so
different,--there it is a mark of distinction, I can assure you, to be
a beggar. One must have lived such a long life of poverty and
self-sacrifice before one is permitted to beg--to beg others to receive
one's benefits. Ah, yes, there it is so different!"
"Yes, it must be," assented Lionel. "Here beggars are just persons who
go about and ask for cold bits or pennies; and we don't think much of
them at all."
"That is because they are not the right kind of almsfolk, nor you the
right kind of almoners," responded the beggar; and then he repeated:
"Ah, yes, there it is so different!"
"Where?" inquired Lionel. "Won't you tell me about it?"
"Dear child," replied the beggar, gently, "it can't be described. It
must be seen to be appreciated. If you once entered into that estate,
you would never wish to return to this."
"Is it as nice as all that?" questioned Lionel, eagerly. "Guess I 'll
go, then. Will you take me ?" he asked.
The beggar smiled down at him kindly. "I can't take you, dear boy," he
said. "I have to travel on. But I can set you on the road, and you
will reach there in safety if you follow my directions.
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