The voice of the speaker sank into a low moan, and was lost in a stifled sob.

“But what can we do, mother?” asked Edith, in an earnest tone, after pausing long enough for her mother to regain the control of her feelings.

“I have thought of but one thing that is at all respectable,” replied the mother.

“What is that?”

“Taking boarders.”

“Why, mother!” ejaculated Edith, evincing great surprise, “how can you think of such a thing?”

“Because driven to do so by the force of circumstances.”

“Taking boarders!  Keeping a boarding-house!  Surely we have not come to this!”

An expression of distress blended with the look of astonishment in Edith’s face.

“There is nothing disgraceful in keeping a boarding-house,” returned the mother.  “A great many very respectable ladies have been compelled to resort to it as a means of supporting their families.”

“But, to think of it, mother!  To think of your keeping a boarding-house!  I cannot bear it.”

“Is there anything else that can be done, Edith?”

“Don’t ask me such a question.”

“If, then, you cannot think for me, you must try and think with me, my child.  Something will have to be done to create an income.  In less than twelve months, every dollar I have will be expended; and then what are we to do?  Now, Edith, is the time for us to look at the matter earnestly, and to determine the course we will take.  There is no use to look away from it.  A good house in a central situation, large enough for the purpose, can no doubt be obtained; and I think there will be no difficulty about our getting boarders enough to fill it.  The income, or profit, from these will enable us still to live comfortably, and keep Edward and Ellen at school.”

“It is hard,” was the only remark Edith made to this.

“It is hard, my daughter; very hard!  I have thought and thought about it until my whole mind has been thrown into confusion.  But it will not do to think forever.  There must be action.  Can I see want stealing in upon my children, and sit and fold my hands supinely?  No!  And to you, Edith, my oldest child, I look for aid and for counsel.  Stand up, bravely, by my side.”

“And you are in earnest in all this?” said Edith, whose mind seemed hardly able to realize the truth of their position.  From her earliest days, all the blessings that money could procure had been freely scattered around her feet.  As she grew up, and advanced towards womanhood, she had moved in the most fashionable circles, and there acquired the habit of estimating people according to their wealth and social standing, rather than by qualities of mind.  In her view, it appeared degrading in a woman to enter upon any kind of employment for money; and with the keeper of a boarding-house, particularly, she had always associated something low, vulgar, and ungenteel.  At the thought of her mother’s engaging in such an occupation, when the suggestion was made, her mind instantly revolted.  It appeared to her as if disgrace would be the inevitable consequence.