Treasure Trove Textbook Solutions: An Angel In Disguise | English Class 10 ICSE PDF Download

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Comprehension Passages
Passage 1
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
This woman had been despised, scoffed at, and angrily denounced by nearly every man, woman,
and child in the village; but now, as the fact of, her death was passed from lip to lip, in subdued
tones, pity took the place of anger, and sorrow of denunciation.
Neighbours went hastily to the old tumble-down hut, in which she had secured little more than a
place of shelter from summer heats and winter cold: some with grave-clothes for a decent
interment of the body; and some with food for the half-starving children, three in number. Of these,
John, the oldest, a boy of twelve, was a stout lad, able to earn his living with any farmer. Kate,
between ten and eleven, was bright, active girl, out of whom something clever might be made, if in
good hands; but poor little Maggie, the youngest, was hopelessly diseased. Two years before a fall
from a window had injured her spine, and she had not been able to leave her bed since, except
when lifted in the arms of her mother.
“What is to be done with the children?” That was the chief question now. The dead mother would
go underground, and be forever beyond all care or concern of the villagers. But the children must
not be left to starve.
Question 1.
 
Why was the dead woman despised and hated by all the people of the village?
 
Answer:
 
The dead woman was an alcoholic and despised because of her idleness and addiction to liquor.
Question 2.
 
Why did the neighbour’s attitude change when they heard the news of her death?
 
Answer:
 
The neighbour’s attitude changed when they heard the news of her death because they felt pity for
her three children left destitute and with no one to care for them after her death.
Question 3.
 
What did the neighbours do to help?
 
Answer:
 
The neighbours rushed to the dilapidated cottage of the woman to help. Some carried grave-
clothes for a decent interment of the body; and some with food for the half-starving children, three
in number.
Question 4.
 
Describe the three children.
 
Answer:
 
The dead woman had three children. John, the oldest, a boy of twelve, was a stout lad, able to
earn his living with any farmer. Kate, between ten and eleven, was bright, active girl, out of whom
something clever might be made, if in good hands; but poor little Maggie, the youngest, was
hopelessly diseased. Two years before a fall from a window had injured her spine, and she had not
been able to leave her bed since, except when lifted in the arms of her mother.
Question 5.
 
What was a matter of concern now that the woman was dead?
 
Answer:
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Comprehension Passages
Passage 1
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
This woman had been despised, scoffed at, and angrily denounced by nearly every man, woman,
and child in the village; but now, as the fact of, her death was passed from lip to lip, in subdued
tones, pity took the place of anger, and sorrow of denunciation.
Neighbours went hastily to the old tumble-down hut, in which she had secured little more than a
place of shelter from summer heats and winter cold: some with grave-clothes for a decent
interment of the body; and some with food for the half-starving children, three in number. Of these,
John, the oldest, a boy of twelve, was a stout lad, able to earn his living with any farmer. Kate,
between ten and eleven, was bright, active girl, out of whom something clever might be made, if in
good hands; but poor little Maggie, the youngest, was hopelessly diseased. Two years before a fall
from a window had injured her spine, and she had not been able to leave her bed since, except
when lifted in the arms of her mother.
“What is to be done with the children?” That was the chief question now. The dead mother would
go underground, and be forever beyond all care or concern of the villagers. But the children must
not be left to starve.
Question 1.
 
Why was the dead woman despised and hated by all the people of the village?
 
Answer:
 
The dead woman was an alcoholic and despised because of her idleness and addiction to liquor.
Question 2.
 
Why did the neighbour’s attitude change when they heard the news of her death?
 
Answer:
 
The neighbour’s attitude changed when they heard the news of her death because they felt pity for
her three children left destitute and with no one to care for them after her death.
Question 3.
 
What did the neighbours do to help?
 
Answer:
 
The neighbours rushed to the dilapidated cottage of the woman to help. Some carried grave-
clothes for a decent interment of the body; and some with food for the half-starving children, three
in number.
Question 4.
 
Describe the three children.
 
Answer:
 
The dead woman had three children. John, the oldest, a boy of twelve, was a stout lad, able to
earn his living with any farmer. Kate, between ten and eleven, was bright, active girl, out of whom
something clever might be made, if in good hands; but poor little Maggie, the youngest, was
hopelessly diseased. Two years before a fall from a window had injured her spine, and she had not
been able to leave her bed since, except when lifted in the arms of her mother.
Question 5.
 
What was a matter of concern now that the woman was dead?
 
Answer:
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What concerned the villagers now that the woman was dead was the question of the care of her
three children. They were too young to fend for themselves and could not be left alone to fend for
themselves.
Passage 2
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
After considering the matter, and talking it over with his wife, farmer Jones said that he would take
John, and do well by him, now that his mother was out of the way; and Mrs. Ellis, who had been
looking out for a bound girl, concluded that it would be charitable in her to make choice of Katy,
even though she was too young to be of much use for several years.
“I could do much better, I know,” said Mrs. Ellis; “but as no one seems inclined to take her, I must
act from a sense of duty expect to have trouble with the child; for she’s an undisciplined thing—
used to having her own way.”
But no one said “I’ll take Maggie.” Pitying glances were cast on her wan and wasted form and
thoughts were troubled on her account. Mothers brought cast-off garments and, removing her
soiled and ragged clothes, dressed her in clean attire. The sad eyes and patient face of the little
one touched many hearts, and even knocked at them for entrance. But none opened to take her in.
Who wanted a bed-ridden child?
“Take her to the poorhouse,” said a rough man, of whom the question “What’s to be done with
Maggie?” was asked. “Nobody’s going to be bothered with her.”
“The poorhouse is a sad place for a sick and helpless child,” answered one.
 
“For your child or mine,” said the other, lightly speaking; “but for tis brat it will prove a blessed
change, she will be kept clean, have healthy food, and be doctored, which is more than can be
said of her past condition.”
Question 1.
 
Who offered to take John? Why?
 
Answer:
 
Farmer Jones offered to take the boy John with him as John was stout and the farmer could make
him work in his fields.
Question 2.
 
Who took Katy? Why?
 
Answer:
 
Mrs Ellis took Katy as she had been looking for a bound girl to work in her house. However, Mrs
Ellis pretended that she was doing charity as she said the girl would be of no use for several years
and would surely cause trouble as she seemed headstrong.
Question 3.
 
How did the villagers look at Maggie? Why did no one want to take her?
 
Answer:
 
The villagers looked at Maggie with pity because she was thin and diseased. They showed
concern for the poor child and many mothers even brought cast-off garments and, removed her
soiled and ragged clothes and dressed her in clean attire. They felt sympathy and concern for the
sad eyes and patient face of the little but none of them wanted to take, her with them as she was
disabled and of no use to them.
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Comprehension Passages
Passage 1
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
This woman had been despised, scoffed at, and angrily denounced by nearly every man, woman,
and child in the village; but now, as the fact of, her death was passed from lip to lip, in subdued
tones, pity took the place of anger, and sorrow of denunciation.
Neighbours went hastily to the old tumble-down hut, in which she had secured little more than a
place of shelter from summer heats and winter cold: some with grave-clothes for a decent
interment of the body; and some with food for the half-starving children, three in number. Of these,
John, the oldest, a boy of twelve, was a stout lad, able to earn his living with any farmer. Kate,
between ten and eleven, was bright, active girl, out of whom something clever might be made, if in
good hands; but poor little Maggie, the youngest, was hopelessly diseased. Two years before a fall
from a window had injured her spine, and she had not been able to leave her bed since, except
when lifted in the arms of her mother.
“What is to be done with the children?” That was the chief question now. The dead mother would
go underground, and be forever beyond all care or concern of the villagers. But the children must
not be left to starve.
Question 1.
 
Why was the dead woman despised and hated by all the people of the village?
 
Answer:
 
The dead woman was an alcoholic and despised because of her idleness and addiction to liquor.
Question 2.
 
Why did the neighbour’s attitude change when they heard the news of her death?
 
Answer:
 
The neighbour’s attitude changed when they heard the news of her death because they felt pity for
her three children left destitute and with no one to care for them after her death.
Question 3.
 
What did the neighbours do to help?
 
Answer:
 
The neighbours rushed to the dilapidated cottage of the woman to help. Some carried grave-
clothes for a decent interment of the body; and some with food for the half-starving children, three
in number.
Question 4.
 
Describe the three children.
 
Answer:
 
The dead woman had three children. John, the oldest, a boy of twelve, was a stout lad, able to
earn his living with any farmer. Kate, between ten and eleven, was bright, active girl, out of whom
something clever might be made, if in good hands; but poor little Maggie, the youngest, was
hopelessly diseased. Two years before a fall from a window had injured her spine, and she had not
been able to leave her bed since, except when lifted in the arms of her mother.
Question 5.
 
What was a matter of concern now that the woman was dead?
 
Answer:
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What concerned the villagers now that the woman was dead was the question of the care of her
three children. They were too young to fend for themselves and could not be left alone to fend for
themselves.
Passage 2
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
After considering the matter, and talking it over with his wife, farmer Jones said that he would take
John, and do well by him, now that his mother was out of the way; and Mrs. Ellis, who had been
looking out for a bound girl, concluded that it would be charitable in her to make choice of Katy,
even though she was too young to be of much use for several years.
“I could do much better, I know,” said Mrs. Ellis; “but as no one seems inclined to take her, I must
act from a sense of duty expect to have trouble with the child; for she’s an undisciplined thing—
used to having her own way.”
But no one said “I’ll take Maggie.” Pitying glances were cast on her wan and wasted form and
thoughts were troubled on her account. Mothers brought cast-off garments and, removing her
soiled and ragged clothes, dressed her in clean attire. The sad eyes and patient face of the little
one touched many hearts, and even knocked at them for entrance. But none opened to take her in.
Who wanted a bed-ridden child?
“Take her to the poorhouse,” said a rough man, of whom the question “What’s to be done with
Maggie?” was asked. “Nobody’s going to be bothered with her.”
“The poorhouse is a sad place for a sick and helpless child,” answered one.
 
“For your child or mine,” said the other, lightly speaking; “but for tis brat it will prove a blessed
change, she will be kept clean, have healthy food, and be doctored, which is more than can be
said of her past condition.”
Question 1.
 
Who offered to take John? Why?
 
Answer:
 
Farmer Jones offered to take the boy John with him as John was stout and the farmer could make
him work in his fields.
Question 2.
 
Who took Katy? Why?
 
Answer:
 
Mrs Ellis took Katy as she had been looking for a bound girl to work in her house. However, Mrs
Ellis pretended that she was doing charity as she said the girl would be of no use for several years
and would surely cause trouble as she seemed headstrong.
Question 3.
 
How did the villagers look at Maggie? Why did no one want to take her?
 
Answer:
 
The villagers looked at Maggie with pity because she was thin and diseased. They showed
concern for the poor child and many mothers even brought cast-off garments and, removed her
soiled and ragged clothes and dressed her in clean attire. They felt sympathy and concern for the
sad eyes and patient face of the little but none of them wanted to take, her with them as she was
disabled and of no use to them.
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Question 4.
 
What solution did the rough man suggest for Maggie? Why would the poorhouse be a good place
for Maggie?
 
Answer:
 
The rough man suggested that Maggie be taken to a poorhouse which was meant for destitute and
orphans like Maggie who had no one to take care of them. It was felt that it would be the best place
for her because she would be kept clean, have healthy food, and be doctored, which was more
than could be said of her past condition or her life with her alcoholic mother.
Question 5.
 
Who came to mourn the dead woman? Why did no one follow the dead cart?
 
Ans.
 
A few neighbours came to mourn the dead woman but none followed the dead cart because they
did not feel she deserved any respect or sympathy.
Passage 3
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
 
 
Its a cruel thing to leave her so.”
“Then take her to the poorhouse: she’ll have to go there,” answered the blacksmith’s wife,
springing away, and leaving Joe behind.
For a little while the man stood with a puzzled air; then he turned back, and went into the hovel
again. Maggie with painful effort, had raised herself to an upright position and was sitting on the
bed, straining her eyes upon the door out of which all had just departed, A vague terror had come
into her thin white face.
“O, Mr. Thompson!” she cried out, catching her suspended breath, “don’t leave me here all
alone!”           ,
Though rough in exterior, Joe Thompson, the wheelwright, had a heart, and it was very tender in
some places. He liked children, and was pleased to have them come to his shop, where sleds and
wagons were made or mended for the village lads without a draft on their hoarded sixpences.
“No, dear,” he answered, in a kind voice, going to the bed, and stooping down over the child, “You
she’n’t be left here alone.” Then he wrapped her with the gentleness almost of a woman, in the
clean bedclothes which some neighbor had brought; and, lifting her in his strong arms, bore her out
into the air and across the field that lay between the hovel and his home.
Question 1.
 
Who said, ‘It’s a cruel thing to leave her so.’ Why did he say this?
 
Answer:
 
The wheelwright man named Joe Thompson said this when all the villagers showed that inspite of
pity for the disabled child none of them wanted to to take her home and were ready to leave her
alone in the hovel.
Question 2.
 
Describe the feelings and plight of Maggie when she was left alone.
 
Answer:
 
Maggie felt desolate and frightened at being left helpless in the rundown cottage that was the only
home she had known. Her spine was broken so with a painful effort, she raised herself to an
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Comprehension Passages
Passage 1
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
This woman had been despised, scoffed at, and angrily denounced by nearly every man, woman,
and child in the village; but now, as the fact of, her death was passed from lip to lip, in subdued
tones, pity took the place of anger, and sorrow of denunciation.
Neighbours went hastily to the old tumble-down hut, in which she had secured little more than a
place of shelter from summer heats and winter cold: some with grave-clothes for a decent
interment of the body; and some with food for the half-starving children, three in number. Of these,
John, the oldest, a boy of twelve, was a stout lad, able to earn his living with any farmer. Kate,
between ten and eleven, was bright, active girl, out of whom something clever might be made, if in
good hands; but poor little Maggie, the youngest, was hopelessly diseased. Two years before a fall
from a window had injured her spine, and she had not been able to leave her bed since, except
when lifted in the arms of her mother.
“What is to be done with the children?” That was the chief question now. The dead mother would
go underground, and be forever beyond all care or concern of the villagers. But the children must
not be left to starve.
Question 1.
 
Why was the dead woman despised and hated by all the people of the village?
 
Answer:
 
The dead woman was an alcoholic and despised because of her idleness and addiction to liquor.
Question 2.
 
Why did the neighbour’s attitude change when they heard the news of her death?
 
Answer:
 
The neighbour’s attitude changed when they heard the news of her death because they felt pity for
her three children left destitute and with no one to care for them after her death.
Question 3.
 
What did the neighbours do to help?
 
Answer:
 
The neighbours rushed to the dilapidated cottage of the woman to help. Some carried grave-
clothes for a decent interment of the body; and some with food for the half-starving children, three
in number.
Question 4.
 
Describe the three children.
 
Answer:
 
The dead woman had three children. John, the oldest, a boy of twelve, was a stout lad, able to
earn his living with any farmer. Kate, between ten and eleven, was bright, active girl, out of whom
something clever might be made, if in good hands; but poor little Maggie, the youngest, was
hopelessly diseased. Two years before a fall from a window had injured her spine, and she had not
been able to leave her bed since, except when lifted in the arms of her mother.
Question 5.
 
What was a matter of concern now that the woman was dead?
 
Answer:
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What concerned the villagers now that the woman was dead was the question of the care of her
three children. They were too young to fend for themselves and could not be left alone to fend for
themselves.
Passage 2
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
After considering the matter, and talking it over with his wife, farmer Jones said that he would take
John, and do well by him, now that his mother was out of the way; and Mrs. Ellis, who had been
looking out for a bound girl, concluded that it would be charitable in her to make choice of Katy,
even though she was too young to be of much use for several years.
“I could do much better, I know,” said Mrs. Ellis; “but as no one seems inclined to take her, I must
act from a sense of duty expect to have trouble with the child; for she’s an undisciplined thing—
used to having her own way.”
But no one said “I’ll take Maggie.” Pitying glances were cast on her wan and wasted form and
thoughts were troubled on her account. Mothers brought cast-off garments and, removing her
soiled and ragged clothes, dressed her in clean attire. The sad eyes and patient face of the little
one touched many hearts, and even knocked at them for entrance. But none opened to take her in.
Who wanted a bed-ridden child?
“Take her to the poorhouse,” said a rough man, of whom the question “What’s to be done with
Maggie?” was asked. “Nobody’s going to be bothered with her.”
“The poorhouse is a sad place for a sick and helpless child,” answered one.
 
“For your child or mine,” said the other, lightly speaking; “but for tis brat it will prove a blessed
change, she will be kept clean, have healthy food, and be doctored, which is more than can be
said of her past condition.”
Question 1.
 
Who offered to take John? Why?
 
Answer:
 
Farmer Jones offered to take the boy John with him as John was stout and the farmer could make
him work in his fields.
Question 2.
 
Who took Katy? Why?
 
Answer:
 
Mrs Ellis took Katy as she had been looking for a bound girl to work in her house. However, Mrs
Ellis pretended that she was doing charity as she said the girl would be of no use for several years
and would surely cause trouble as she seemed headstrong.
Question 3.
 
How did the villagers look at Maggie? Why did no one want to take her?
 
Answer:
 
The villagers looked at Maggie with pity because she was thin and diseased. They showed
concern for the poor child and many mothers even brought cast-off garments and, removed her
soiled and ragged clothes and dressed her in clean attire. They felt sympathy and concern for the
sad eyes and patient face of the little but none of them wanted to take, her with them as she was
disabled and of no use to them.
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Question 4.
 
What solution did the rough man suggest for Maggie? Why would the poorhouse be a good place
for Maggie?
 
Answer:
 
The rough man suggested that Maggie be taken to a poorhouse which was meant for destitute and
orphans like Maggie who had no one to take care of them. It was felt that it would be the best place
for her because she would be kept clean, have healthy food, and be doctored, which was more
than could be said of her past condition or her life with her alcoholic mother.
Question 5.
 
Who came to mourn the dead woman? Why did no one follow the dead cart?
 
Ans.
 
A few neighbours came to mourn the dead woman but none followed the dead cart because they
did not feel she deserved any respect or sympathy.
Passage 3
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
 
 
Its a cruel thing to leave her so.”
“Then take her to the poorhouse: she’ll have to go there,” answered the blacksmith’s wife,
springing away, and leaving Joe behind.
For a little while the man stood with a puzzled air; then he turned back, and went into the hovel
again. Maggie with painful effort, had raised herself to an upright position and was sitting on the
bed, straining her eyes upon the door out of which all had just departed, A vague terror had come
into her thin white face.
“O, Mr. Thompson!” she cried out, catching her suspended breath, “don’t leave me here all
alone!”           ,
Though rough in exterior, Joe Thompson, the wheelwright, had a heart, and it was very tender in
some places. He liked children, and was pleased to have them come to his shop, where sleds and
wagons were made or mended for the village lads without a draft on their hoarded sixpences.
“No, dear,” he answered, in a kind voice, going to the bed, and stooping down over the child, “You
she’n’t be left here alone.” Then he wrapped her with the gentleness almost of a woman, in the
clean bedclothes which some neighbor had brought; and, lifting her in his strong arms, bore her out
into the air and across the field that lay between the hovel and his home.
Question 1.
 
Who said, ‘It’s a cruel thing to leave her so.’ Why did he say this?
 
Answer:
 
The wheelwright man named Joe Thompson said this when all the villagers showed that inspite of
pity for the disabled child none of them wanted to to take her home and were ready to leave her
alone in the hovel.
Question 2.
 
Describe the feelings and plight of Maggie when she was left alone.
 
Answer:
 
Maggie felt desolate and frightened at being left helpless in the rundown cottage that was the only
home she had known. Her spine was broken so with a painful effort, she raised herself to an
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upright position and tried to sit on the bed, in an effort to strain her eyes upon the door out of which
all had just departed, uncaring that she was alone and not in a position to help herself. Her thin
white face reflected a vague terror at the thought of the dark future she could foresee for herself.
Question 3.
 
What did Maggie say to Mr Thompson? What do her words show?
 
Answer:
 
Maggie pitifully begged Joe Thompson saying, “O, Mr. Thompson! don’t leave me here all alone!”
She was almost not able to breathe due to the fear of being left alone.
Question 4.
 
What assurance did Joe Thompson give Maggie? What did he do?
 
Answer:
 
Joe Thompson was a kind man and he assured Maggie by saying, “No, dear,” “You she’n’t be left
here alone.” Mr Thompson went to the bed, and stooping down he wrapped her with the
gentleness almost of a woman, in the clean bedclothes which some neighbour had brought. He
then lifted her in his strong arms and bore her out into the air and across the field to his home.
Question 5.
 
What idea do we get of the character of Mr Thompson?
 
Answer:
 
Mr Tompson is revealed by his actions as a kind hearted man. Although he had a rough exterior,
Joe Thompson, the wheelwright, had a heart, and it was very tender in some places. He liked
children, and was pleased to have them come to his shop, where sleds and wagons were made or
mended for the village lads free of cost without taking anything from their hoarded six pences.
Passage 4
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
“You haven’t brought home that sick brat!” Anger and astonishment were in the tones of Mrs. Joe
Thompson; her face was in a flame.
“I think women’s hearts are sometimes very hard,” said Joe. Usually Joe Thompson got out of his
wife’s way, or kept rigidly silent and non-combative when she fired up on any subject; it was with
some surprise, therefore, that she now encountered a firmly-set countenance and a resolute pair of
eyes.
“Women’s hearts are not half so hard as men’s!”
Joe saw, by a quick intuition, that his resolute bearing h«d impressed his wife and he answered
quickly, and with real indignation, “Be that as it may, every woman at the funeral turned her eyes
steadily from the sick child’s face, and when the cart went off with her dead mother, hurried away,
and left her alone in that old hut, with the sun not an hour in the sky.”
“Where were John and Kate?” asked Mrs. Thompson.
“Farmer Jones tossed John into his wagon, and drove off. Katie went home with Mrs. Ellis; but
nobody wanted the poor sick one. ‘Send her to the poorhouse,’ was the cry.”
“Why didn’t you let her go, then. What did you bring her here for?”
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Comprehension Passages
Passage 1
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
This woman had been despised, scoffed at, and angrily denounced by nearly every man, woman,
and child in the village; but now, as the fact of, her death was passed from lip to lip, in subdued
tones, pity took the place of anger, and sorrow of denunciation.
Neighbours went hastily to the old tumble-down hut, in which she had secured little more than a
place of shelter from summer heats and winter cold: some with grave-clothes for a decent
interment of the body; and some with food for the half-starving children, three in number. Of these,
John, the oldest, a boy of twelve, was a stout lad, able to earn his living with any farmer. Kate,
between ten and eleven, was bright, active girl, out of whom something clever might be made, if in
good hands; but poor little Maggie, the youngest, was hopelessly diseased. Two years before a fall
from a window had injured her spine, and she had not been able to leave her bed since, except
when lifted in the arms of her mother.
“What is to be done with the children?” That was the chief question now. The dead mother would
go underground, and be forever beyond all care or concern of the villagers. But the children must
not be left to starve.
Question 1.
 
Why was the dead woman despised and hated by all the people of the village?
 
Answer:
 
The dead woman was an alcoholic and despised because of her idleness and addiction to liquor.
Question 2.
 
Why did the neighbour’s attitude change when they heard the news of her death?
 
Answer:
 
The neighbour’s attitude changed when they heard the news of her death because they felt pity for
her three children left destitute and with no one to care for them after her death.
Question 3.
 
What did the neighbours do to help?
 
Answer:
 
The neighbours rushed to the dilapidated cottage of the woman to help. Some carried grave-
clothes for a decent interment of the body; and some with food for the half-starving children, three
in number.
Question 4.
 
Describe the three children.
 
Answer:
 
The dead woman had three children. John, the oldest, a boy of twelve, was a stout lad, able to
earn his living with any farmer. Kate, between ten and eleven, was bright, active girl, out of whom
something clever might be made, if in good hands; but poor little Maggie, the youngest, was
hopelessly diseased. Two years before a fall from a window had injured her spine, and she had not
been able to leave her bed since, except when lifted in the arms of her mother.
Question 5.
 
What was a matter of concern now that the woman was dead?
 
Answer:
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What concerned the villagers now that the woman was dead was the question of the care of her
three children. They were too young to fend for themselves and could not be left alone to fend for
themselves.
Passage 2
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
After considering the matter, and talking it over with his wife, farmer Jones said that he would take
John, and do well by him, now that his mother was out of the way; and Mrs. Ellis, who had been
looking out for a bound girl, concluded that it would be charitable in her to make choice of Katy,
even though she was too young to be of much use for several years.
“I could do much better, I know,” said Mrs. Ellis; “but as no one seems inclined to take her, I must
act from a sense of duty expect to have trouble with the child; for she’s an undisciplined thing—
used to having her own way.”
But no one said “I’ll take Maggie.” Pitying glances were cast on her wan and wasted form and
thoughts were troubled on her account. Mothers brought cast-off garments and, removing her
soiled and ragged clothes, dressed her in clean attire. The sad eyes and patient face of the little
one touched many hearts, and even knocked at them for entrance. But none opened to take her in.
Who wanted a bed-ridden child?
“Take her to the poorhouse,” said a rough man, of whom the question “What’s to be done with
Maggie?” was asked. “Nobody’s going to be bothered with her.”
“The poorhouse is a sad place for a sick and helpless child,” answered one.
 
“For your child or mine,” said the other, lightly speaking; “but for tis brat it will prove a blessed
change, she will be kept clean, have healthy food, and be doctored, which is more than can be
said of her past condition.”
Question 1.
 
Who offered to take John? Why?
 
Answer:
 
Farmer Jones offered to take the boy John with him as John was stout and the farmer could make
him work in his fields.
Question 2.
 
Who took Katy? Why?
 
Answer:
 
Mrs Ellis took Katy as she had been looking for a bound girl to work in her house. However, Mrs
Ellis pretended that she was doing charity as she said the girl would be of no use for several years
and would surely cause trouble as she seemed headstrong.
Question 3.
 
How did the villagers look at Maggie? Why did no one want to take her?
 
Answer:
 
The villagers looked at Maggie with pity because she was thin and diseased. They showed
concern for the poor child and many mothers even brought cast-off garments and, removed her
soiled and ragged clothes and dressed her in clean attire. They felt sympathy and concern for the
sad eyes and patient face of the little but none of them wanted to take, her with them as she was
disabled and of no use to them.
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Question 4.
 
What solution did the rough man suggest for Maggie? Why would the poorhouse be a good place
for Maggie?
 
Answer:
 
The rough man suggested that Maggie be taken to a poorhouse which was meant for destitute and
orphans like Maggie who had no one to take care of them. It was felt that it would be the best place
for her because she would be kept clean, have healthy food, and be doctored, which was more
than could be said of her past condition or her life with her alcoholic mother.
Question 5.
 
Who came to mourn the dead woman? Why did no one follow the dead cart?
 
Ans.
 
A few neighbours came to mourn the dead woman but none followed the dead cart because they
did not feel she deserved any respect or sympathy.
Passage 3
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
 
 
Its a cruel thing to leave her so.”
“Then take her to the poorhouse: she’ll have to go there,” answered the blacksmith’s wife,
springing away, and leaving Joe behind.
For a little while the man stood with a puzzled air; then he turned back, and went into the hovel
again. Maggie with painful effort, had raised herself to an upright position and was sitting on the
bed, straining her eyes upon the door out of which all had just departed, A vague terror had come
into her thin white face.
“O, Mr. Thompson!” she cried out, catching her suspended breath, “don’t leave me here all
alone!”           ,
Though rough in exterior, Joe Thompson, the wheelwright, had a heart, and it was very tender in
some places. He liked children, and was pleased to have them come to his shop, where sleds and
wagons were made or mended for the village lads without a draft on their hoarded sixpences.
“No, dear,” he answered, in a kind voice, going to the bed, and stooping down over the child, “You
she’n’t be left here alone.” Then he wrapped her with the gentleness almost of a woman, in the
clean bedclothes which some neighbor had brought; and, lifting her in his strong arms, bore her out
into the air and across the field that lay between the hovel and his home.
Question 1.
 
Who said, ‘It’s a cruel thing to leave her so.’ Why did he say this?
 
Answer:
 
The wheelwright man named Joe Thompson said this when all the villagers showed that inspite of
pity for the disabled child none of them wanted to to take her home and were ready to leave her
alone in the hovel.
Question 2.
 
Describe the feelings and plight of Maggie when she was left alone.
 
Answer:
 
Maggie felt desolate and frightened at being left helpless in the rundown cottage that was the only
home she had known. Her spine was broken so with a painful effort, she raised herself to an
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upright position and tried to sit on the bed, in an effort to strain her eyes upon the door out of which
all had just departed, uncaring that she was alone and not in a position to help herself. Her thin
white face reflected a vague terror at the thought of the dark future she could foresee for herself.
Question 3.
 
What did Maggie say to Mr Thompson? What do her words show?
 
Answer:
 
Maggie pitifully begged Joe Thompson saying, “O, Mr. Thompson! don’t leave me here all alone!”
She was almost not able to breathe due to the fear of being left alone.
Question 4.
 
What assurance did Joe Thompson give Maggie? What did he do?
 
Answer:
 
Joe Thompson was a kind man and he assured Maggie by saying, “No, dear,” “You she’n’t be left
here alone.” Mr Thompson went to the bed, and stooping down he wrapped her with the
gentleness almost of a woman, in the clean bedclothes which some neighbour had brought. He
then lifted her in his strong arms and bore her out into the air and across the field to his home.
Question 5.
 
What idea do we get of the character of Mr Thompson?
 
Answer:
 
Mr Tompson is revealed by his actions as a kind hearted man. Although he had a rough exterior,
Joe Thompson, the wheelwright, had a heart, and it was very tender in some places. He liked
children, and was pleased to have them come to his shop, where sleds and wagons were made or
mended for the village lads free of cost without taking anything from their hoarded six pences.
Passage 4
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
“You haven’t brought home that sick brat!” Anger and astonishment were in the tones of Mrs. Joe
Thompson; her face was in a flame.
“I think women’s hearts are sometimes very hard,” said Joe. Usually Joe Thompson got out of his
wife’s way, or kept rigidly silent and non-combative when she fired up on any subject; it was with
some surprise, therefore, that she now encountered a firmly-set countenance and a resolute pair of
eyes.
“Women’s hearts are not half so hard as men’s!”
Joe saw, by a quick intuition, that his resolute bearing h«d impressed his wife and he answered
quickly, and with real indignation, “Be that as it may, every woman at the funeral turned her eyes
steadily from the sick child’s face, and when the cart went off with her dead mother, hurried away,
and left her alone in that old hut, with the sun not an hour in the sky.”
“Where were John and Kate?” asked Mrs. Thompson.
“Farmer Jones tossed John into his wagon, and drove off. Katie went home with Mrs. Ellis; but
nobody wanted the poor sick one. ‘Send her to the poorhouse,’ was the cry.”
“Why didn’t you let her go, then. What did you bring her here for?”
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“She can’t walk to the poorhouse,” said Joe; “somebody’s arms must carry her, and mine are
strong enough for that task.”
Question 1.
 
What was Mrs. Thompson’s reaction on seeing Maggie?
 
Answer:
 
Mrs Thompson showed anger and astonishment when she saw Maggie being brought home by Mr
Thompson.
Question 2.
 
How did Joe counter his wife on her remark about Maggie?
 
Answer:
 
Generally Joe kept got out of his wife’s way, or kept rigidly silent and non-combative when she fired
up on any subject but her remark about Maggie upset him and he reacted with a firmly-set
countenance and a resolute pair of eyes. He said in anger, “I think women’s hearts are sometimes
very hard.”
Question 3.
 
What kind of person does Mrs Thompson appear to be?
 
Answer:
 
Mr Thompson was childless, and not a woman of saintly temper, nor much given to self  denial for
others’ good. The author describes her as a ‘vinegar-tempered’ person.
Question 4.
 
What does Mr Thompson feel about the other women who had left Maggie alone  and gone away?
 
Answer:
 
Mr Thompson has nothing but disdain and indignation for the women who had mouthed verbal
sympathy for Maggie and then abandoned her alone and helpless in the cottage and gone away.
Question 5.
 
Does the attitude of the villagers convey some truth about society at large?
 
Answer:
 
Yes, the harsh and selfish attitude of the villagers shows that in this world people help only those
from whom they can gain something. Very few people like Mr Thompson genuinely are concerned
about the destitute and want to help.
Passage 5
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
“Jane,” said the wheelwright, with an impressiveness of tone that greatly subdued his wife, “I read
in the Bible sometimes, and find much said about little children. How the Savior rebuked the
disciples who would not receive them; how he took them up in his arms, and blessed them; and
how he said that ‘whosoever gave them even a cup of cold water should not go unrewarded.’ Now,
it is a small thing for us to keep this poor motherless little one for a single night; to be kind to her for
a single night; to make her life comfortable for a single night.”
The voice of the strong, rough man shook, and he turned his head away, so that the moisture in his
eyes might not be seen. Mrs. Thompson did not answer, but a soft feeling crept into her heart.
“Look at her kindly, Jane; speak to her kindly,” said Joe. “Think of her dead mother, and the
loneliness, the pain, the sorrow that must be on all her coming life.” The softness of his heart gave
unwonted eloquence to his lips.
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