"Bad case in third ward. A young girl in the Trask tenement-house, cor.
G and Tenth streets. Can you go? Get whatever you need at Reed's, and
ask for Bertha Gillette, third floor."
She turned to Molly.
"Is it to-day you have an engagement with the dressmaker?"
"Yes, at three; why?"
Sara read the card, adding,--
"I suppose I'll have to go alone, then. If I should be kept till dark,
be sure and have Morton come after me."
"What makes you go, Sara? It's fairly scorching outside!"
"I know, but I must, you see. 'A young girl.' Poor thing! She may have
no friends, and be suffering for care. Yes, I must go. I'll wear my
thinnest muslin, and take the large umbrella."
She was soon off, stepping briskly in spite of the heat. The air was
scintillating under the almost vertical rays of the sun, whose intensity
was merciless, and scarcely a leaf stirred; even the birds were drowsy,
and kept in shelter, while every house was closed and barricaded against
the heat as against an invading army.
For a time Sara had the shade of the great trees lining the sidewalks
for protection; but as she left these wide avenues for the alleys of
poverty, there was nothing but her umbrella between her and the
scorching luminary, while mingled with the intensified heat were the
dust and odors arising from unsprinkled and garbage-strewn streets.
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