Martha hesitated.
There is so little to excite or interest in the monotonous life of a hard-working seamstress, that she really longed to throw aside the needle, and accept her cousin’s invitation.
“I should like to go,” she said at length, “but I am afraid I ought not to spend either the time or the money.”
“Then I’ll make you a fair offer. If you’ll spare the time, I’ll spare the money. I’ll buy the tickets. Won’t you go, too?” she continued, turning to Helen. “I’ll pay for you.”
Helen looked at Martha who nodded kindly, and said, “Did you ever go to the theatre, Helen!”
“No, Martha.”
“Then you had better come. You can come back with me.”
“Thank you,” said Helen. “I will see if father needs me.”
She hastened up stairs, but found that her father, absorbed in his engrossing employment, had not even been aware of her absence.
“Do you think you can spare me for two or three hours, papa?” she asked. “I have been invited to go out.”