"There's too much here by sixpence," said Mrs. Hartland, counting the coins. "Your master has made a mistake."
"It's all right, mother," replied Jim proudly; "he gave me an extra sixpence for doing my work so well."
"O Jim!" cried Susie, "isn't it splendid? Fancy earning all that money!"
"It will come in handy," said he, "and in a few months I shall be able to earn more. But while we're chattering the supper's getting cold. Sit down mother. You look tired to death."
"Mother's been sewing all day, and the fine work hurts her eyes," observed Susie.
"I'm not as young as I was," remarked their mother, trying to laugh, "and my eyes feel the strain more."
"When I'm a bit older you won't need to work at all," said Jim, who meant what he said. "I'll earn enough for us all."
They lingered a long while over the simple meal, and then Jim helped his mother to carry Susie to her bedroom.
"I shan't call you early in the morning," said Mrs. Hartland, as Jim kissed her good-night; "I think you've earned a rest."
"I wish that horrid exam. was over!" cried Susie; "then you'd have more time to yourself."