The rent of a room, and the expense of an extra light, were saved, and this was important where every cent had to be laid out with the most thoughtful economy.

Eugenia no longer went out, except to visit her father.

Mrs.Gaston brought home as much work from the shop as both of them could do, and received the money for it when it was done, which all went into a common fund.
Thus the time wore on, Eugenia feeling happier than she had felt for many weary years.

Mrs.Gaston had been a mother to her while she lived in Troy, and Eugenia entertained for her a deep affection.
Their changed lot, hard and painful though it was, drew them closer together, and united them in a bond of mutual tenderness.
New Year's day at last came, and the mother, who had looked forward so anxiously for its arrival, that she might see her boy once more, felt happier in the prospect of meeting him than she had been for a long time.

Since his departure, she had not heard a single word from him, which caused her to feel painfully anxious.