The task of providing for the wants of both fell, consequently, upon Ellen.

Increased exertion was more than her delicate frame could well endure.

Daily were the vital energies of her system becoming more and more exhausted, a fact of which she was painfully conscious, and which she, with studious care, sought to conceal from Mary.
When, through loss of friends and change of circumstances, the two sisters were thrown entirely dependent upon their own exertions for a livelihood, they, with prudent forethought, immediately applied themselves to the learning of a trade in order to have the means of support.

Confinement for twelve or fourteen hours a day, sitting in one position--a great change for them--could not long be endured without producing ill effects on frail young creatures at best.

Mary, the older, failed first; and, at the time of which we are writing, had so far declined as to be little more than the shadow of any thing earthly.
With her own unaided hands, Ellen found it impossible to earn enough for even their most simple need.