All she now requires is an out-patient's ticket for a chest hospital.
She is a "trouser finisher," and earns one penny per hour; sometimes she lies on her bed while at work.

But by and by she will not be able to earn her penny per hour; then there will be "homelessness," but not the workhouse for her.
But the voice speaks again: "Dear Mr.Holmes, please excuse me not thanking you sooner for offering me a hospital letter.

I shall, indeed, be very grateful for one when able to get about, for I shall need something to set me up a bit.
"At present I am very sadly indeed; my foot seems very much better, yet not right, the sister thinks.

To make matters worse, I have a very bad gathered finger, and this week I have not been able to do a stitch of work; indeed, it is very little that I have been able to do this last ten weeks.

Oh, the cruel oppression of taking advantage and putting extra work for less pay, because I cannot get out to fetch it myself! "The most I get is a penny per hour; it is generally less.