A comfortable big chair was placed by his fire, new books on his mantle, a flower in his window, and new covers on his bed.

While the women worked, Dolan raked the yards, and freshened matters outside as best he could.

When everything they had planned to do was accomplished, the wagon, loaded with the ugly old things Mary despised, drove back to the village, and she, with little Tilly Dolan for company, remained.
Mary was tense with excitement.

All the woman in her had yearned for these few pretty things she wanted for her home throughout the years that she had been compelled to live in crude, ugly surroundings; because every cent above plainest clothing and food, went for drink for Jimmy, and treats for his friends.

Now she danced and sang, and flew about trying a chair here, and another there, to get the best effect.
Every little while she slipped into her bedroom, stood before a real dresser, and pulled out its trays to make sure that her fresh, light dresses were really there.