He had more than once hinted that he might need the money but as yet had gone no further.
Mrs.Barclay had one comfort, however, and a great one.

This was a good son.

Ben was always kind to his mother--a bright, popular, promising boy--and though at present he was unable to earn much, in a few years he would be able to earn a good income, and then his mother knew that she would be well provided for.

So she did not allow herself to borrow trouble but looked forward hopefully, thanking God for what He had given her.
"Won't you go up to the Town Hall with me, mother ?" asked Ben.

I am sure you would enjoy it." "Thank you, Ben, for wishing me to have a share in your amusements," his mother replied, "but I have a little headache this evening, and I shall be better off at home." "It isn't on account of the expense you decline, mother, is it?
You know Mr.Crawford gave me a dollar, and the tickets are but twenty-five cents." "No, it isn't that, Ben.