When London Sleeps — page 206: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

FOR DEAR LIFE’S SAKE. 201 As she spoke she put out the lights, and Leila’s hand nestled in hers, led the way into the hall, and then, taking up the lighted candle, which had been — left there for her, went up.the stairs with Leila to her own chamber, having determined to keep the — little girl with her that night. The house was very still, all the rest of the in- mates having retired. Queenie’s room was in anell at the back of the house, Mrs. Jones and Carrie sleeping in the front, some distance away. Queenie had chosen this room because it had windows on three sides, and she was © fond of air and light. It was a large apartment, fiixqistied: with sombre but handsome old-fashioned furniture. With tender hands Queenie undressed the child, and after having heard her say her prayers, in which was asked a blessing for the nother, of whom Leila knew no evil, she tucked. her up carefully, put out the candle so that the light might not keep the little one awake, and then went and sat down by the window. She was not sleepy, and she had much to think | about. ‘That poor little waif! Surely her tiny voice, upraised in prayer, must have pierced the clouds and reached to heaven. Ah! the sin of mighty London rocked her cradle and its shadow loomed dark and threatening on her onward path! Queenie leaned her head forward until it rested aoainst one of the heavy iron rods with which the window was barred. This brought her thoughts to David, for had he not insisted on this protection to. comicbooks co