actual want; and so
when their old home was broken up the piano was carefully packed and
forwarded to Rockford. The home where they had resided so long was very
dear to them, and it would have grieved them to leave it at any time;
but to leave at the glad season of spring, when the trees which shaded
their dwelling were beginning to put forth their leaves, and the flowers
which adorned their garden were bursting into bloom, seemed to them
doubly sad. But their preparations for removal were finally completed;
and they left their home followed by the good wishes of many who had
long known and loved them. Upon their arrival at Rockford, Mrs. Ashton
hired a cheap tenement in a respectable locality, which she furnished in
a plain but decent manner. When they became settled in their new home
they had still in hand money sufficient to secure them from immediate
want, but as Mrs. Ashton wished Emma to enter at once upon her studies,
she was very anxious to devise some means of earning money to meet
necessary expenses. There was one family residing in Rockford with whom
Mrs. Ashton had several years before been intimately acquainted: their
name was Lebaron, and they at one time resided in the same village with
the Ashtons. Mr. Lebaron had opened a store upon removing to Rockford;
the world had smiled upon him, and he was now considered one of the most
wealthy and influential men in the village.

It has been often said that "prosperity hardens the heart of man,"
but if such is the case in general, Mr. Lebaron proved an exception to
the general rule. He had heard with much sorrow of the death of Mr.
Ashton, and also of the other misfortunes which had overtaken the
family; and no sooner did he learn of the arrival of the widow and
daughter in Rockford, than, accompanied by his wife, he hastened to call
upon them to renew their former acquaintance, and in a delicate and
considerate manner to enquire if he could assist them in any way. Mrs.
Ashton thanked them for their kindness, saying that although in no
immediate need of assistance, yet she would be very thankful if they
would assist her in obtaining employment. "If such is the case," replied
Mrs. Lebaron, "I can easily secure you employment, as I am acquainted
with many ladies who give, out work, and will gladly use my influence in
your favor." "You will confer a favor upon me by so doing," replied Mrs.
Ashton, "for I must rely upon my labor for a support for the future."
Through