Often Mary was without medicine, because there was no money left after food and fuel were bought.

More and more earnestly did Ellen apply herself as want came in more varied shapes; but the returns of her labour became daily less and less adequate to meet the demands of nature.
The busy season had passed, and trade was dull.

Ellen worked for only two merchant tailors, and with them she was considered an extra hand.
When business fell off, as the season approached towards mid-summer, she was the first to receive notice that no more work could be given out for the present.

With a disheartened feeling she returned home on receiving this intelligence.

Mary saw that something was wrong the moment she entered, and tenderly inquired the cause of her trouble.