"Yes, business is dull and fifty men and boys have been turned off. James Watson and your Benjamin are among them."
"Ben never told me anything about it," faltered Mrs. Bradford. "Heaven only knows what we shall do."
"Oh, I guess you'll get along someway," said Mrs. Perkins, complacently. She was not herself affected, having sufficient property to live upon. "Well, I must be going," said the old lady, anxious to reach the next neighbor, and report how poor Mrs. Bradford took it. "Don't you be too much worried. The Lord will provide."
"I am afraid we shall all starve," thought Mrs. Bradford mournfully.
She opened the shed door, and said: "Ben, is it true that you've lost your place at the mill?"
"Yes, aunt," answered Ben. "Who told you?"
"Old Mrs. Perkins. Why didn't you tell me before?"
"There's no hurry about bad news, aunt."
"I am afraid we'll all have to go to the poorhouse," said Aunt Jane, sighing.
"Perhaps we may, but we'll see what else we can do first. Wait and Hope, aunt—that's my motto."