“In any case, Mary, I am determined to keep these children with me.  I know that it is not pleasant for you to have them here, and I don’t want to have them in your way.  The best thing I can do is that which I have determined on.”

“If you will go, why not take in sewing, or washing and ironing?”

“Simply, because I cannot make a living with my needle, and my health will not permit me to stand over the wash-tub from morning till night.  There is no resource left me but the market-house, reluctantly as I go there.”

“Well, Sally, you can do as you please.  But let me tell you, that if you do turn huckster, I will never own you as my sister again.”

“Any such foolish and rash resolution on your part, I should regret very much; for, unkindly and unfeelingly as you have acted towards me, I have no wish to dissolve the tie of nature.”

“It shall be dissolved, you may rely upon it, if you do so disgraceful a thing.”

On Saturday she got what was due to her, and on Monday removed to her new abode.  Of all this, Mr. Williams had not the slightest knowledge.  After getting her room fixed up, she went down to the wharf and bought a few bushels of potatoes, and some apples:  with these she went to the market.  Her feelings in thus exposing herself, can only be imagined by such as have had to resort to a similar method of obtaining a livelihood, when they first appeared in the market-house.  She had not been long at her stand, when Mr. Williams, who generally went to market, came unexpectedly upon her.

“Why, Sally, what in the world are you doing here?” was his surprised salutation.

“Why, didn’t you know that I had left your house for the market-house?”

“No!  How should I know You never told me that you were going.

“But surely sister did?”

“Indeed she did not.”

“She knew last week that I was going, and that I had determined to make a living for myself and children in this way.”

“I am sorry you left our house, Sally!  You should have had a home there as long as I lived.  You must not stay here, anyhow.  Something better can be done for you.  Surely you and Mary have not quarrelled?”

“She has renounced me for ever!”

Mr. Williams was a good deal shocked by this unexpected interview, and when he went home inquired into the state of affairs.  He censured his wife severely for her part in the matter, upon her own statement; and told her plainly that she had not treated Sally as a sister should have been treated.  He went to see Mrs. Haller that day, and used many arguments to induce her to come back, or at least to give up her newly-adopted calling.

“Put me in a better and more comfortable way of making a living, Mr. Williams,” was her answer—­“and I will most gladly adopt it.  I know of no other that will suit me.  I cannot longer remain dependent.  In your house I was dependent, and daily and hourly I was made to feel that dependence, in the most galling manner.”