pausing long enough for her mother to regain the control of her feelings.

"I have thought of but one thing that is at all respectable," replied the
mother.

"What is that?"

"Taking boarders."

"Why, mother!" ejaculated Edith, evincing great surprise, "how can you
think of such a thing?"

"Because driven to do so by the force of circumstances."

"Taking boarders! Keeping a boarding-house! Surely we have not come to
this!"

An expression of distress blended with the look of astonishment in Edith's
face.

"There is nothing disgraceful in keeping a boarding-house," returned the
mother. "A great many very respectable ladies have been compelled to resort
to it as a means of supporting their families."

"But, to think of it, mother! To think of _your_ keeping a boarding-house!
I cannot bear it."

"Is there anything else that can be done, Edith?"

"Don't ask _me_ such a question."