had thought of something quite different for Silla.
And, however it might be, she would not hear of any gadding about or
sweet-hearting until Nikolai could show as much ready money as Holman
had done.

He had had a hundred dollars and his good wages, and when Nikolai could
lay as much money on the table in front of her eyes, it would be time to
talk about it.

A hundred dollars--that was something decided at last. He held her in a
vice with that.

That was the feeling which filled him when, a little while after, he
sprang right across the snowdrift to shorten the way, and knocked at
Barbara's door. He must have some one to tell it to--that Mrs. Holman
had acquiesced in Silla's having in this way promised herself to him.

It was exactly the same view of her well-considered advantage that
occurred to Barbara while she lay that night collecting herself after
the news. She raised her large person up in bed under the influence of
the brilliant idea:

Why, then, she could live with Nikolai!

This grocery business was completely eating her up--it did not enter her
head that she was eating _it_ up.

She suddenly felt quite clear as to her whole position; how it would be
best both for her and Nikolai that she should give up the shop in time,
and how instead she could be of unspeakable use in helping the totally
inexperienced Silla to manage the house, and perhaps earn a few pence at
other houses. And she had never heard but that a son was bound to
provide for his mother.

The following Sunday Mrs. Holman drank coffee at Barbara's; but as Mrs.
Holman was silent about what had taken place, Barbara was silent too.
Only once she led the conversation up to her son Nikolai, and thought
that possibly in the autumn, when the room next door was empty, he might
move into it. It would not be too much, when it was remembered how they
had always been separated.

Why Mrs. Holman at that moment became thoughtful, pursed up her mouth
and said: "Thank you," she would not have any more coffee! and somewhat
unexpectedly shortened her visit, shall be left untold. It can only be
stated, that from that moment, a silent contest began between them under
water--under the most friendly form, it must be added, for Mrs. Holman's
sake if for nothing else.

The coffee visits continued, if possible, with greater frequency, and
Barbara as well as Mrs. Holman discussed and talked over every possible
subject, except the one that lay nearest to thei