"You must not sew, for your finger is all pricked to pieces.

There is only half of it left with those horrible marks." "That does not matter; just give me your little skirt," replied Martha, continuing her sewing.

"This kind of work does not hurt me; but when I sew heavy shirts for the farmers and the workmen in the iron works the material is so rough that, as I push the needle in, I often prick off little pieces of my finger." "Why should you have to do that, Martha?
They could make their own shirts and prick their own fingers," cried Cornelli indignantly.
"No, no, Cornelli; do not speak like that," replied the woman.

"You see, I am glad and grateful to be able to get work enough to earn my living without help.

I have to be thankful to our Lord for all the good things he gives me, and especially for giving me enough strength for my work." Cornelli looked about her searchingly, in the little room.