"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. But it's been a hard struggle! Do you wonder I was sorry when I found you weren't a real angel, and heaven was still far away?"
Sara, her eyes filled with tears, was about to answer, when Nora Maloney appeared at the door with her bundles.
"I've got 'em, mum!" she cried, and at sight of her bright face both girls smiled again.
"That's my good girl!" was Sara's approving comment; "and here, didn't I promise you something?"
"Yes'm," her eyes snapping, "an orange."
Sara opened a package, and took out two.
"What will you do with this, if I'll give it to you?" pointing to the extra one.
"I'll hide 'em both till pa gets away, an' then I'll divvy up with Nan and Jack, and Ma and baby," was the ready answer.
Sara handed over the two yellow globes.