Of course I know they're expensive, and funds are low, but I've simply _got_ to have them, or chuck up medicine!" "It's so terrible to be poor!" sighed Quenrede, thinking of the old, happy pre-war days at Rotherwood, when everything came so easily, and there were no struggles to make ends meet.
She talked the matter over afterwards with Ingred.
"If I could only help somehow!" she mourned.

"I've often thought I might go out and earn something, but Mother's not strong, and I really do a great deal in the house.

If I went away and left her with only 'The Orphan,' she'd be laid up in a fortnight.

As it is, she tries to do far too much.

How could we possibly get some money for Athelstane's books?
We'd rather die than ask our friends!" Ingred shook her head sadly.