“Certainly, there is a chance of it,” said the squire, cautiously; “but it is not well to be too sanguine, for you know we cannot be sure of anything.”
“If there was anything I could do,” replied the widow; “but I can only wait, and the suspense is very wearing.”
“Of course, I quite feel for you. Depend upon it, I shall do what I can to relieve your anxiety whenever I see clearly what to do. You give me credit for that?”
“Yes, Squire Turner, I know you are a true friend. The time was when I did you injustice; but I see more clearly now.”
If Squire Turner had had any sense of shame he would have blushed at this testimony from the woman whom he had done so much to injure; but his feelings were not very keen, and he only listened with complacency, perceiving that he had made good progress in securing the widow’s confidence. All his plans seemed to be working well thus far. He was now ready to take the next step, and this was to get Mrs. Raymond into his power by placing her under pecuniary obligations.
“I hope you will excuse me one question which I am about to ask,” he said, “and believe that it is dictated, not by idle curiosity, but my interest in your welfare. Do you not feel considerable difficulty in earning enough money to defray your expenses?”
“Yes,” said Mrs. Raymond, “that is one of my troubles. Katy and I have few wants; but I find it costs a good deal for food, and fuel, and clothes.”
“Of course.”
“Especially as I have no way of earning except by the needle. Sewing is very poorly paid.”