She found Mrs. Vincey sitting on the veranda, darning.

“Joey! So early! What’s the matter, dear?”

“I just felt—tired,” replied Joey; “but I’ll be all right after a nice cup of tea, gran.”

“We’ve run out of tea, Joey.”

“Oh!” said Joey, and sat down on the steps.

Mrs. Vincey stood behind her, turning and turning a sock in her thin hands.

“Unless you—brought home—anything,” she said.

“There wasn’t anything coming to me this week,” said Joey.

There was a moment’s silence. Mrs. Vincey stood looking down at that little dark head.

“Would you like a glass of lemonade, Joey?” she asked.