ved quite as much as though she and they had been born in a
ducal palace. She told the squire that she had two hands, and as long
as she had her health, the town need not trouble itself about her
support.

Squire Lee was filled with surprise and admiration at the noble
resolution of the poor woman; and when he returned to his house, he
immediately sent her a cord of wood, ten bushels of potatoes, two bags
of meal, and a firkin of salt pork.

The widow was very grateful for these articles, and no false pride
prevented her from accepting the gift of her rich and kind-hearted
neighbor.

Riverdale centre was largely engaged in the manufacturing of boots and
shoes, and this business gave employment to a large number of men and
women.

Mrs. Bright had for several years "closed" shoes--which, my readers who
do not live in "shoe towns" may not know, means sewing or stitching
them. To this business she applied herself with renewed energy. There
was a large hotel in Riverdale centre, where several families from
Boston spent the summer. By the aid of Squire Lee, she obtained the
washing of these families, which was more profitable than closing shoes.

By these means she not only supported her family very comfortably, but
was able to save a little money towards paying for the house. Mr.
Hardhand, by the persuasions of Squire Lee, had consented to let the
widow keep the house, and pay for it as she could.

John Bright had been dead four years at the time we introduce Bobby to
the reader. Mrs. Bright had paid another hundred dollars towards the
house, with the interest; so there was now but one hundred due. Bobby
had learned to "close," and helped his mother a great deal; but the
confinement and the stooping posture did not agree with his health, and
his mother was obliged to dispense with his assistance. But the
devoted little fellow found a great many ways of helping her. He was
now thirteen, and was as handy about the house as a girl. When he was
not better occupied, he would often go to the river and catch a mess of
fish, which was so much clear gain.

The winter which had just passed, had brought a great deal of sickness
to the little black house. The children all had the measles, and two
of them the scarlet fever, so that Mrs. Bright could not work much.
Her affairs were not in a very prosperous condition when the spring
opened; but the future was bright, and the widow, trusting in
Providence, believed that