Hoffman and Paul were to be the breadwinners. "I wish mother
didn't have to sit so steadily at her work," thought Paul, many a time.
He resolved some time to relieve her from the necessity; but at present
it was impossible.
To maintain their small family in comfort required all that both could
earn.
The next morning Paul started out after breakfast for the street stand,
wondering what success he was destined to meet with.
About the middle of the forenoon Mrs. Hoffman prepared to go out.
"Do you think you can stay alone for an hour or two, Jimmy?" she asked.
"Yes, mother," answered Jimmy, who was deep in a picture which he was
copying from one of the drawing-books Paul had bought him. "Where are
you going mother?"
"To carry back some work, Jimmy. I have got half-a-dozen shirts done,
and must return them, and ask for more."
"They ought to pay you more than twenty-five cents apiece, mother. How
long has it taken you to make them?"
"Nearly a week."
"That is only a dollar and a half for a week's work."
"I know it, Jimmy; but they can get plenty to work at that price, so it
won't do for me to complain. I shall be very glad if I can get steady
work, even at that price."
Jimmy said no more, and Mrs. Hoffman, gathering up her bundle, went out.
She had a little more than half a mile to go. This did not require long.
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