"That reminds me, mother, that I heard bad news at the shop to-day."
"What is that?"
"That the shop is likely to be shut down all next month."
"Why is that?" asked Mrs. Barton, an anxious look coming over her face.
"I believe the market is over-supplied with shoes, and it is thought best to suspend temporarily. It'll be rather hard on me."
"Yes, it will," said his mother, gravely. "I earn so little at sewing balls."
"Don't you think I could get a job at that, mother?"
"No, you could not do the work satisfactorily. Besides there are hands enough for all that is required. Well, we must hope for the best."
"I think I can manage to earn something, mother," said Bert, hopefully. "I'll try hard, anyway."
"We won't worry till the time comes, Bert."