Probably a fourth came from homes in which they were not the only wage-earners, and would not starve if work slackened now and then, having fathers or brothers to help them.

Whether they liked coming to work or not, all showed much cheerfulness at the commencement of the day.

They greeted each other pleasantly, sometimes affectionately, and not one who lacked a story of personal incident to be quickly related to a friend whilst the work was being given out.

So much seemed to happen in the hours of freedom.
Lydia was much quieter than usual.

It was not her wont to gossip of her own affairs, or to pry into the secrets of her acquaintances; but with the little group of those with whom she was intimate she had generally some piece of merriment to share, always marked by kindness of feeling.
She was a favourite with the most sensible girls of her own age.