Then the General's wife asked questions, and Jimmy told her about the Little Mother, and of their life together; but not one word did he tell of their urgent need, for Jimmy had not learned to beg.
At last the wonderful lunch was over, somewhat to Jimmy's relief, it must be confessed.
"I shall come and see your mother, Jimmy," said the General's wife, as Jimmy left her.
Out in the hall the General handed the boy a nickel. "Business is business, young man," he said, with a twinkle in his eye.
That night Jimmy and his mother sat up very late, for the boy had so much to tell.
"Do you think I was wrong to ask for the nickel, Mother?" he asked anxiously, when he had finished.
"No," said his mother; "but I am glad you didn't ask for more."
Then, after Jimmy had gone to bed, the mother sat up for a long time, wondering how the rent was to be paid.
On Easter Monday morning Jimmy and the Little Mother started out to pick the arbutus and the early violets which Jimmy was to sell Tuesday at his little stall.