Mrs.Bright had paid another hundred dollars towards the house, with the interest; so there was now but one hundred due.

Bobby had learned to "close," and helped his mother a great deal; but the confinement and the stooping posture did not agree with his health, and his mother was obliged to dispense with his assistance.

But the devoted little fellow found a great many ways of helping her.

He was now thirteen, and was as handy about the house as a girl.

When he was not better occupied, he would often go to the river and catch a mess of fish, which was so much clear gain.
The winter which had just passed, had brought a great deal of sickness to the little black house.