The winter cold began.

Mrs.
Bower had not refused coals; he always burned so little that fuel was allowed to be covered by the rent.

But now he scarcely ventured to keep his fire alight long enough to boil his kettle; he still had a little supply for burning, and felt that he durst not go down to the cellar for more, when that was done.
Then came the day when his landlady told him with decisive brevity that she could trust him no longer.

He must not be a foolish old man, but must ask help from those whose duty it was to give it him.
That was in the afternoon.

Mrs.Bower had come up to his room and had asked for the rent.