The latter shook her head with the air of a martyr.

At this moment Jack returned, and the family sat down to supper.

"You haven't told us," said Mrs. Crump, seeing her husband's
cheerfulness in a measure restored, "what Mr. Blodgett said about
the chances for employment."

"Not much that was encouraging," answered Timothy. "He isn't at all
sure how soon it will be best to commence work; perhaps not before
spring."

"Didn't I tell you so?" commented Rachel, with sepulchral sadness.

Even Mr. Crump could not help looking sober.

"I suppose, Timothy, you haven't formed any plans," she said.

"No, I haven't had time. I must try to get something else to do."

"What, for instance?"

"Anything by which I can earn a little, I don't care if it's only
sawing wood. We shall have to get along as economically as we can;
cut our coat according to our cloth."

"Oh, you'll be able to earn something, and we can live _very_
plain," said Mrs. Crump, affecting a cheerfulness greater than she
felt.