CHAPTER XXVIII 411
" I knawn ' t ," was the answer . " Some does one thing , and some another . Poor folk mun get on as they can ."
She seemed to be tired of my questions : and , indeed , what claim had I to importune her ? A neighbour or two came in ; my chair was evidently wanted . I took leave .
I passed up the street , looking as I went at all the houses to the right hand and to the left ; but I could discover no pretext , nor see an inducement to enter any . I rambled round the hamlet , going sometimes to a little distance and returning again , for an hour or more . Much exhausted , and suffering greatly now for want of food , I turned aside into a lane and sat down under the hedge . Ere many minutes had elapsed , I was again on my feet , however , and again searching something -- a resource , or at least an informant . A pretty little house stood at the top of the lane , with a garden before it , exquisitely neat and brilliantly blooming . I stopped at it . What business had I to approach the white door or touch the glittering knocker ? In what way could it possibly be the interest of the inhabitants of that dwelling to serve me ? Yet I drew near and knocked . A mild-looking , cleanly-attired young woman opened the door . In such a voice as might be expected from a hopeless heart and fainting frame -- a voice wretchedly low and faltering -- I asked if a servant was wanted here ?
" No ," said she ; " we do not keep a servant ."
" Can you tell me where I could get employment of any kind ?" I continued . " I am a stranger , without acquaintance in this place . I want some work : no matter what ."
But it was not her business to think for me , or to seek a place for me : besides , in her eyes , how doubtful must have appeared my character , position , tale . She shook her head , she " was sorry she could give me no information ," and the white door closed , quite gently and civilly : but it shut me out . If she had held it open a little longer , I believe I should have begged a piece of bread ; for I was now brought low .