To think that, after the lapse of fifteen years, we should meet thus! How in the world is it that fortune has been so unkind to you?
I remember hearing it said that you had married very well." "I certainly never had cause to regret my marriage," replied Mrs.
Partridge, with more feeling than she had yet shown.

"While my husband lived I had every external blessing that I could ask.

But, just before he died, somehow or other he got behind-hand in his business, and after his death, there being no one to see to things, what he left was seized upon and sold, leaving me friendless and almost penniless.

Since then, the effort to get food and clothes for my children has been so constant and earnest, that I have scarcely had time to sit down and grieve over my losses and sufferings.

It is one perpetual struggle for life.