working in the factory. We are not going to starve yet."

"But, suppose you can't find any work?" said his mother.

"Then I'll help you braid straw," said Robert, laughing. "Don't you
think I might learn after a while?"

"I don't know but you might," said Mrs. Rushton, dubiously; "but the
pay is very poor."

"That's so, mother. I shan't, take to braiding straw except as a last
resort."

"Wouldn't Mr. Davis take you back into the factory if I went to him and
told him how much we needed the money?"

"Don't think of such a thing, mother," said Robert, hastily, his brown
cheek flushing. "I am too proud to beg to be taken back."

"But it wouldn't be you."

"I would sooner ask myself than have you do it, mother. No; the
superintendent sent me away for no good reason, and he must come and ask
me to return before I'll do it."

"I am afraid you are proud, Robert."

"So I am, mother; but it is an honest pride. Have faith in me for a
week, mother, and see if I don't earn something in that time. I don't
expect to make as much as I earned at the factory; but I'll earn