"It won't pay," returned Mr. Jones.

"I don't expect it to pay in a business sense," said Mr. Smith;
"but, surely, humanity has some claim to consideration."

"Humanity! humph. Humanity don't pay, Mr. Smith; that's my
experience. I've helped two or three in my time, and what return do
you suppose I received?"

"The pleasing consciousness of having done good to your neighbour."

"Not a bit of it. I lost my money for my pains, and made enemies
into the bargain. When I demanded my own, I received only
insult--that's my experience, Mr. Smith, and the experience of
ninety-nine in a hundred who listen to the so-called claims of
humanity. As I said before--it doesn't pay."

"Then you will not go with me to see Mrs. Lloyd?"

"No, sir. You don't catch me hunting up the widows of broken
merchants. Let them go to their own friends. I'd soon have plenty of
rather unprofitable business on my hands, if I were to engage in
affairs of this kind."

"I hardly think it will pay to talk with you on this subject any
longer," said Mr. Smith.

"I'm just of your opinion," was the laughing answer, "unless I can
induce you to let Mrs. Lloyd remain in ignorance of your benevolent