Jacob Worse's mother was regarded as quite a character in the town.

When her husband died, he was about as insolvent as a man could be.

For several years he had only kept his business going by means of unlimited credit, but up to the very last he managed to keep one of the gayest houses in the town.

Nothing was left but a mass of bills and liabilities when he was gone.

People shook their heads, and went one and all to the widow to condole with her.