I know it's very hard for you, but I am held responsible by
my employer, and at my intercession he has been lenient, as you
must admit. You could get a room or two in town for half what you
must pay where you are. Good-morning."
She went out again into the street, which the shrouded sky made
sombre in spite of preparations seen on every side for the chief
festival of the year. The fear was growing strong that like Him in
whose memory the day was honored, she and her little ones might
soon not know where to lay their heads. She succeeded in getting
the small sum owed to her and payment also for some sewing just
finished. More work she could not readily obtain, for every one
was busy and preoccupied by the coming day of gladness.
"Call again," some said kindly or carelessly, according to their
nature. "After the holidays are over we will try to have or make
some work for you."
"But I need--I must have work now," she ventured to say whenever
she had the chance.
In response to this appeal there were a few offers of charity,
small indeed, but from which she drew back with an instinct so
strong that it could not be overcome.
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