142 FAMILIAR LONDON In all the sketching that I have done, both in and round London, I have never met with anything but the greatest courtesy from what are called the "lower classes"; and I think in many instances the upper classes might with advantage copy them. Over and over again I have gone third-class in the underground railway laden with sketching things— easel, stool, and perhaps a drawing that refused to dry. I have always been helped in and out, and had my sketching things lifted in for me and handed out to me. One man, I remember, in doing so remarked, Ah, I see you are in the painting line-I am in the poultry line myself." The carriages at certain times of the day are often overcrowded; but no woman, so far as I have seen, whether old or young, plain or pretty, has ever failed to find a seat. The working man as a matter of course gives up his own, and if necessary stands. 66 Even in more practical ways have I been struck by the people's kindliness of heart. I remember once in a 'bus, when the conductor came up for his fare, putting my hand into my pocket, and finding that I had forgotten my purse, and was consequently penniless. I begged of the conductor to let me finish my journey, and said I would send |