"MEN MUST WORK WHILE WOMEN MUST WEEP"
Janice brought the letter indoors to read by the light of the kitchen lamp. Her heart fluttered, for she feared that it was something about Nelson. The Drugg domicile was almost across the street from the Beaseley cottage and the girl did not know but that 'Rill had been delegated to tell her something of moment about the young schoolmaster.
Marty, too, was eagerly curious. "Hey, Janice! what's the matter?" he whispered, at her shoulder.
"Mr. Drugg has to be away this evening and she is afraid to stay in the house and store alone. She wants me to come over and spend the night with her. May I, Auntie?"
"Of course, child—go if you like," Aunt 'Mira said briskly. "You've been before."
Twice Mr. Drugg had been away buying goods and Janice had spent the night with 'Rill and little Lottie.
"Though what protection I could be to them if a burglar broke in, I'm sure I don't know," Janice had said, laughingly, on a former occasion.
She went upstairs to pack her handbag rather gravely. She was glad to go to the Drugg place to remain through the night. She would be near Nelson Haley! Somehow, she felt that being across the street from the schoolmaster would be a comfort.
When she came downstairs Marty had his hat and coat on. "I'll go across town with ye—and carry the bag," he proposed. "Going to the reading room, anyway."
"That's nice of you, Marty," she said, trying to speak in her usual cheery manner.