noon
I had to cry . I could n't help it . Some of the children had such pure , sweet faces , that as they sat there singing , with their soft eyes looking upwards , I felt as if I had almost rather they would die there , than go home through those dreadful streets , into those wretched cellars , and hear the shocking words I had heard , as I passed along through them . I was so glad to learn from Mr. Pease , that some of these little children , who had no parents , lived there in the house with him , and that he kept the others in the _ day time _ , giving them their dinners at noon . Poor , little innocent children ! I looked at one little face after another , and I _ could n't make it right _ that they should have to live where they ca n't help sinning , -- where they are _ taught _ to be wicked , -- where they are whipped and beaten for _ not _ being wicked , -- because rich people love silks and jewels too well , to give Mr. Pease money to find them bread and shelter , and take them away . Oh , if the rich ladies and gentlemen who live in fine houses , had only seen those poor children as _ I _ did , and heard their sweet voices , I ca n't believe that they would suffer them to remain in such a sinful and wretched condition .