Her shop had, as it were, eaten itself hollow.

In the apathy which had resulted from her loneliness and grief she had ceased to take in the smallest supplies, and thus had sent away her last customer.
In this strait Emily Lester tried by every means in her power to aid the afflicted woman; but she met with constant repulses.
'I don't like you! I can't bear to see you!' Joanna would whisper hoarsely when Emily came to her and made advances.
'But I want to help and soothe you, Joanna,' Emily would say.
'You are a lady, with a rich husband and fine sons! What can you want with a bereaved crone like me!' 'Joanna, I want this: I want you to come and live in my house, and not stay alone in this dismal place any longer.' 'And suppose they come and don't find me at home?
You wish to separate me and mine! No, I'll stay here.

I don't like you, and I can't thank you, whatever kindness you do me!' However, as time went on Joanna could not afford to pay the rent of the shop and house without an income.

She was assured that all hope of the return of Shadrach and his sons was vain, and she reluctantly consented to accept the asylum of the Lesters' house.

Here she was allotted a room of her own on the second floor, and went and came as she chose, without contact with the family.