Then it all went for debts and
funeral expenses, and we took what little was left, mother and I, and
came here. We managed to live while she was alive. She took in sewing,
and I worked in Ball's factory, and we were as cosey as could be in our
one room; but last winter she died."
Her eyes filled with tears, and she stopped a moment, then went on.
"The factory turned off a third of its hands in May, and I with them.
I've tried everything since, but I'm not strong enough for many kinds of
work. If I could only stand housework I could find plenty to do, but the
heavy part is too much for me; twice I've broken down, lost my place,
and had to use all the wages I'd saved up for doctor's bills. A second
girl's work I could do, but it's difficult to get into those
aristocratic houses, unless you have friends and recommends, especially
in summer, when so many are closed while the families are away.
"I've done shop-work, and indeed a little of everything; but for a week
I haven't had a thing, and I was reduced to my last crumb. I knew, if I
couldn't pay for my room to-night, I'd be turned into the street, so for
two days I've walked and walked, hunting for work, till I actually
dropped, as you see. There's one thing, though," with sudden fire, "I've
kept straight! If I had been really dead, as I for a moment thought, I
would not have been afraid to meet my mother.
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