"I positively haven't a cent to spare. Besides it would make it all the more difficult to hear Patti."
Mrs. Wyman closed the window. The conversation had taken a turn which she did not relish.
CHAPTER XIV. THE QUALITY OF MERCY.
When I knocked again at the door of Mrs. Mills, she opened it and regarded me in some surprise.
"Did you think Alice would be worse?" she asked.
"No, but I am commissioned by a charitable lady, one of my fellow boarders, to give you this."
She took the bill which I offered her, and her face lighted up with joy.
"It is a godsend," she said. "I was feeling very anxious. We had but twenty-five cents in the house."