If Easton was unemployed they had to stint themselves so as to avoid getting further into debt than was absolutely necessary.

When he was working they had to go short in order to pay what they owed; but of what there was Easton himself, without knowing it, always had the greater share.

If he was at work she would pack into his dinner basket overnight the best there was in the house.

When he was out of work she often pretended, as she gave him his meals, that she had had hers while he was out.

And all the time the baby was draining her life away and her work was never done.
She felt very weak and weary as she crouched there, crying furtively and trying not to let him see.
At last she said, without looking round: 'You know quite well that you were just as much in favour of getting them as I was.