I could not get the money to do all this, if I did not go out to work in other people's houses, and then we would be hungry, and cold, and not have any home to come to." The little girl sighed and remained silent for a few moments.

Then she said, in a more cheerful tone, "I know it's wrong for me to talk as I do, mother, and I'll try not to complain any more.

It's a great deal harder for you than it is for me to go into these big people's houses.

You have to work so hard, and I have only to sit still in the kitchen.

But won't father come home soon?
He's been away so long! When he was home we had every thing we wanted, and you didn't have to go out a working." Tears came into the mother's eyes, and her feelings were so moved, that she could not venture to reply.
"Won't he be home soon, mother ?" pursued the child.
"I'm afraid not," the mother at length said, in as calm a voice as she could assume.
"Why not, mother?
He's been gone a long time." "I cannot tell you, my child.