There was not more than ten dollars in the house, for they had but a short time before paid for their winter's coal, and at considerable expense largely replenished their wardrobes.

The rent would be due in a week, and it would require more than half they had to pay it.
Katy was appalled as she thought of the low state of their purse, and dreaded lest some fearful calamity might again overtake them.

It was plain to her that she could not give up her business, even for a week, without the danger of being again reduced to actual want.

She therefore reversed her decision, and told the girls they might come as usual the next day.
When they had gone she shed a few bitter tears at the necessity which the circumstances imposed upon her of working while her heart revolted at the idea of being anywhere but at the bedside of her sick mother.
Then she lamented that they had not dispensed with many articles of luxury while they had plenty of money, and saved more of it for such a sad time as the present.

But it was of no use to repine; she had only to make the best of her situation.
Amid all these discouragements came a bright ray of sunshine--the brightest that could possibly have shone on the pathway of the weeping daughter.
Early in the forenoon came the physician who carefully examined his patient, speaking cheerfully and kindly to her all the while.