CHAPTER XII.
GOOD LUCK AFTER MISFORTUNE.
Mark's spirits were wonderfully improved when he left the hermit's cabin, and took his way homeward. So far from being injuriously affected by his discharge from the shoe-shop, his income was considerably increased. Not only this, but he had received five dollars for his past week's services over and above what he had been paid for his work in the shop.
"Now," thought he. "I can tell mother without minding it."
But his mother had already heard of it. A neighbor, Mrs. Parker, who rather enjoyed telling bad news, had heard of it through her son, who also worked in the work-shop.
She at once left her work, and hurried over to Mrs. Manning's.
"Good morning, Mrs. Parker," said the widow, cheerfully. "Take a chair, do."
"Thank you, Mrs. Manning, I can't stop a minute. I left my kitchen at sixes and sevens, on purpose to condole with you. I declare, it's really too bad."
"What is too bad? I don't understand you?" said Mrs. Manning, perplexed.
"About your son Mark, I mean."