“The worst of it is,” she muttered, “that soap and water cannot blot out thoughts of the people who were here before us.”

But thoughts of other people, some of whom were very dear to her, brought varying expressions, and once she smiled and said to herself, “Roger Atwood now thinks, no doubt, that in me he has seen another ‘ghost of a woman,’ weighing a little less than ‘two hundred.’  Of all my little affairs of that nature, his was the most preposterous and absurd.  That one human being should expect and seek from another what is so impossible to give produces a certain half-humorous irritation that is indescribable.”

Stout Mrs. Wheaton’s mind and fancy were not so busy as her hands, and when twelve o’clock came she knew the hour, although carrying no watch.  She had interrupted Mildred’s musings from time to time, but had received rather absent replies, for the actual inception of a life of toil occasioned many thoughts.

When, however, the practical woman remarked, “I’ve a hinside ’int that hit’s time we took a bite together,” Mildred awakened to an honest and hungry approval of the suggestion.

“I don’t like to intrude upon you, Mrs. Wheaton,” she said.  “Isn’t there some place near where I can go?”

“Hindeed there his—­right down to my room, hif ye’re not habove my company.  I can brew yer has good a cup o’ tea has hany cook in the land, and we’ll find somethin’ nourishin’ to go vith hit.”

“Mrs. Wheaton, you are a genuine friend.  I’m so glad you were here and willing to help me, for you make me feel safer and more hopeful.  You seem brave and not afraid of being poor, and I want to learn your courage.  So far from being above your company, I am very grateful for it, and I shall try to repay your kindness with like neighborly return when I can; but when it comes to actual expense you must let me pay my way.  How is it you are so brave and cheery when, as you say, you are alone with several children to support?”

“I’ll tell yer vhile we heat hour dinner; so lock the door and come vith me.”

Mrs. Wheaton’s room was plain, indeed, but neat and homelike.  A variegated and much-patched carpet covered part of the floor, which was bare around the ample cooking-stove, whereon a wholesome dinner soon smoked with appetizing odors.  Her daughter, a young girl about twelve years of age, assisted in the preparations, and then went to call the other children, who were playing on the sidewalk.

’"Ow is it I’m so brave and cheery?” Mrs. Wheaton at last answered with a sunshiny smile.  “I’ve a stout pair hof harms, I’ve a stout body, and I’ve a downright belief that the Lord means veil by me and mine.  I’m try in’ to do my best, and hit’s ’is biziness to take care hof the rest.  Hand ’E ’as so far.  I’ve been a bit ’ungry meself now and then, but the children halways ’ad enough.  So I vork and trust and lose no time and strength ha-vorrying.  Things’ll all