"I shall take a share of earning money too. I can tell you that. I don't mean to be a useless burden on anybody. Not even on you."
"You'd never be useless, come what might. And it isn't only me that's going to work. Miss Pattison has offered to teach Mimy dressmaking, so that by-and-by she can get work in some of the New Maxham shops. We didn't mean to bother you about it for a day or two, but Mimy likes the notion, and I don't think you'll have anything against it. Just like Miss Pattison, isn't it? And Ted will be through his schooling in less than three months, and then we'll have to find something for him to do too. He's a handy little chap, you know. But you and the three little ones are going to be my charge,—till they can begin to work for themselves too, which won't be yet awhile. And you will be my charge always, mother,—mine and Jessie's too, in time, for she says so."
"Bless you both for meaning it! All the same, I'm going to take my share."
"I'll not have you go out charing. Nothing of that sort. You're not fit for rough work."
"There's things enough to be done. I'm used to turn my hand to most things. I'm good at fine needlework; and I can cook first-rate; and I shouldn't mind a spell at nursing now and then. You won't keep me in idleness, Jack; thank you all the same. And I'll try to get some needlework."
Jack protested in vain; and as days went by, he became convinced that his mother would really be the happier for having a certain amount of employment. The children would be away a great part of the day, except in holiday time, and the tiny cottage which was to be their home would scarcely afford scope enough for so active a little person in mind and body as Mrs. Groates.
It was quite true, as she had told Jack, that she was not only a very good needle-woman, but also an efficient cook, and a reliable nurse—not trained up to full modern requirements, but experienced in divers illnesses. These gifts might in coming months be turned to good account.
Meanwhile, the move out of the old home into a new one had to be done. A small cottage, on the outside border of Old Maxham, had been found for a moderate rent; and enough furniture to make it habitable was taken thither from "Groates' Store," the rest being parted with to Mr. Mokes, together with the stores of grocery and aught else that the shop held.
The act of removal, and settling in, helped to rouse Mrs. Groates, and to give her new interests in life. It was a pretty little cottage, with small but not inconvenient rooms, and a tiny garden behind, which Jack proposed to cultivate in leisure hours.
Since Jessie had not taken him at his word, and had not wished to break off the engagement, he was glad still to make his home in Old Maxham. He was by nature very much of a "home-boy," and he did not love change or novelty. To be within easy reach of Jessie was cheering; and the daily walk in and out of New Maxham would do him no harm. As Mr. Gilbert had foretold, Jack gave great satisfaction at the grocer's where his work now lay; and very soon, from having been taken on for his Mother's sake, he was highly valued for his own.