"I don't know where I can go," said the widow, anxiously.
"No doubt you'll find some place," said the squire, carelessly.
"How soon do you want me to vacate the house, Squire Collins?" asked Mrs. Manning, anxiously.
"At the end of the month."
"But that is only a week from to-day."
"Quite true."
"That is a very short time."
"It ought to be time enough, Mrs. Manning," said the squire, stiffly.
"I would be willing to pay a little higher rent if you would allow me to remain, Squire Collins."
"Quite out of the question, Mrs. Manning. Indeed, I will say that I think you already pay all you can afford to. I doubt whether you will be able—with Mark out of employment—to keep up your present rent. As I understand, about all your income comes from a boarder, whose means must be extremely limited, and who, in all probability, will end his days in the alms-house."