“She didn’t do it. I went on my own hook,” broke in Robert, who came forward with a glow on his face. “She considers it begging to ask for her own, but I don’t.” “That is right, my good fellow,” answered Savage. “Business should be left to men. You and I can settle this little affair.” “No, that is not necessary,” said Anna, smiling. “It is so small a sum that a word settles it. Only I should like your mother to know how thankful I am to her for giving us something to do.” “Will this be enough?” said the young man, placing a ten dollar note upon the window-sill. “Half of that—half of that, sir; but I have no change.” The young man blushed. “You can give it me some other time, perhaps.” “I’ll run and get it changed,” broke in Robert. Anna handed him the bank-note. “No, no! I insist!” said Savage, earnestly. “There is no need of change. My mother—in fact I want more work done. Let your brother come to me in the morning; I shall have ever so many handkerchiefs to mark with initial letters, which I am sure you embroider daintily. Besides, I have a fancy to make my mother a present of one of those worsted shawls—all lace-work and bright colors—such as nice old ladies can knit without injury to the eyesight. I dare say you could do that sort of thing, madam?” “Oh, yes!” answered the old lady, brightening visibly. “If I only had the worsted to begin with, and needles, and——” “That is just what I leave the extra five dollars for. Robert, remember, that is for grandma to begin her work with. It would so oblige me, madam, if you could have the shawl done by Christmas.” The old lady broke into a pleasant little laugh. Little Joseph, who had been listening greedily, pulled at her dress and whispered: “Grandma! Grandma! Can I have something now?” “Yes, dear, yes! only wait a minute.” “But I am tired of waiting, grandma.” “Hush, darling, hush!” Joseph nestled down to his old place, and, half hidden by his grandma’s garments, watched the stranger with his great, bright eyes, eager to have him gone. The young man saw something of this; but he had never in his life encountered absolute want, and could not entirely comprehend its cravings. “Let us see about the colors,” he said, approaching the grandmother. “White, with a scarlet border, just a pretty fleece of soft, bright wool turned into lace.” “I know, I know!” said the old woman, nodding pleasantly. “You shall see; you shall see.” “Now, that this is settled,” said the young man, balancing his hat in one hand with hesitation, “we must have a consultation, my mother and I, about providing something a little more permanent.” “You are kind, very kind, sir,” said the old lady, smoothing the kerchief over her bosom, with a soft sweep of both hands. “When my son comes home from the war, he will thank you. Anna, there, don’t exactly know how to do it; and I am an old-fashioned lady, fast turning back to my place among the children; but my son, her father, you know, is a very smart man.”