Katy knew her history, and felt very sad as she thought of
her being deprived of the means of support.
"I don't know what I shall do," sighed Mary.
"I have to take care of my mother now, and shall not have time to
make candy," said Katy.
"Do you mean to give up for good?" asked one of them.
"I don't know."
This question suggested some painful reflections to Katy. If they
stopped making candy, she and her mother, as well as orphan Mary,
would be deprived of the means of support. She trembled as she
thought of the future, even when she looked forward only a few
weeks. There was not more than ten dollars in the house, for they
had but a short time before paid for their winter's coal, and at
considerable expense largely replenished their wardrobes. The
rent would be due in a week, and it would require more than half
they had to pay it.
Katy was appalled as she thought of the low state of their purse,
and dreaded lest some fearful calamity might again overtake them.
It was plain to her that she could not give up her business, even
for a week, without the danger of being again reduced to actual
want. She therefore reversed her decision, and told the girls
they might come as usual the next day.
When they had gone she shed a few bitter tears at the necessity
which the circumstances imposed upon her of working while her
heart revolted at the idea of being anywhere but at the bedside
of her sick mother.
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