Mrs. Brown was silent. Perhaps she thought a parish funeral was all that Mrs. Collins deserved; but she did not say so, and she could sympathize with Jessie in her love and regard for her mother. So, at last, she said—
"Do you know how much there is to pay up this club of your father's?"
Jessie shook her head. "Father said it was nearly a pound, and he would never be able to get it in time," sobbed the girl.
"Has he tried?" asked Mrs. Brown.
"He asked two or three of his mates last night," said Jessie.
Again Mrs. Brown was silent, while she thought over what she could do to help.
"Do you know how much money he would get if the club money was all paid up?"
"About six pounds," replied Jessie.
"Enough to buy you and Polly new black frocks, repay the money you must borrow to get this, and still leave plenty to bury your mother decently, and provide something for your father. Now, if I lend you the pound that is wanted, will you promise that I shall be repaid out of this six pounds as soon as you get it?"
"Oh, Mrs. Brown, if you would do this for us, I am sure father will be glad to pay you the moment we get the club money."