“Can you spare the five hundred out of the business?”
At this question Mr. Hardy hung his head.
“I am afraid I cannot, Margy. Business has been very bad lately, and I have many bills coming due inside of thirty and sixty days.”
At this candid statement Mrs. Hardy grew very pale.
“Oh, Thomas, do you mean that we—we——”
“This will drive me to the wall.” Mr. Hardy gave another sigh and his voice shook. “I am ruined.”
“Ruined!”
“That is the one word to use. Competition has almost forced me out of business, and this affair will take away nearly every cent I possess.”
After this confession the matter was discussed freely until Mr. Hardy grew so feverish that his wife told him he must be quiet and left to himself. She passed down into the sitting room and there met Frank.
“Mother, you have been crying,” said the boy, coming up and embracing her.