Now that her sister seemed all but beyond need of anxious guarding, and that the necessity for applying the rule was greater than ever before, Lydia gave her attention to Mr.Boddy.
The old man had not borne the winter very well; looking at him, Lydia could not help observing that he stooped more than was his habit, and that his face was more drawn.

He did his best to put a bright aspect on things when he talked with her, but there were signs that he found it increasingly difficult to obtain sufficient work.

A few months ago she would have had no scruple in speaking freely on the subject to Mary Bower, or even to Mrs.Bower, and so learning from them whether the old man paid his rent regularly and had enough food.

But from Mary she was estranged--it seemed as if hopelessly--and Mrs.Bower had of late been anything but cordial when Lydia went to the shop.

The girl observed that Mr.Boddy was now never to be found seated in the back parlour: she always had to go up to his room.