urged Nan. "Lots of the men earn only eight or nine dollars a
week, and have families to support."

"Well, of course, they don't have to be supported as we are,"
objected the easy-minded Bess. "Anyway my father says frugality
should be taught to the poor just the same as reading and
writing.
They ought to learn how to save."

"When you earn only just enough to supply your needs, and no
more, how can you divide your income so as to hoard up any part
of it?"

"Dear me! Don't ask questions in political economy out of
school, Nan!" cried Bess, forgetting that she had started the
discussion herself. "I just HATE that study, and wish we didn't
have to take it! I can't answer that question, anyway."

"I'll answer it then," declared Nan. "If you are a mill-hand
your stomach won't let you save money. There probably won't be a
dozen families affected by this shut-down who have more than ten
dollars saved."

"Goodness! You don't mean that that's true? Why, dad gives me
that much to spend on myself each month," Bess cried. "The poor
things! Even if they are frowsy and low, I am sorry for them.
But, of course, the shut-down doesn't trouble you, Nan. Not
personally, I mean. Your father has had a good position for so
many years-----"