soon as George Barry should recover his health, which probably would
be within a week or two. She tried in vain to think of some temporary
employment, and determined, in case she should be unsuccessful in the
afternoon, which she hardly anticipated, to consult Paul what she had
better do.

Paul noticed when he came in that his mother looked more sober and
thoughtful than usual.

"Have you a headache, mother?" he inquired.

"No, Paul," she said, smiling faintly.

"Something troubles you, I am sure," continued Paul.

"You are right, Paul," said Mrs. Hoffman, "though I didn't mean to tell
you till evening."

"What is it?" asked Paul, anxiously.

"When I carried back the last shirts I made for Duncan & Co., they told
me I couldn't have any more for a month or six weeks."

"That will give you some time to rest, mother," said Paul, who wanted to
keep back his good news for a while.

"But I can't afford to rest, Paul."

"You forget that I am earning money, mother. I am sure I can earn a
dollar a day."