If we hadn't got the oilcloth there would have been illness in the house because of the way the wind used to come up between the floorboards.

Even now of a windy day the oilcloth moves up and down.' 'Well, I'm sure I don't know,' said Easton, as he looked alternatively at the list of debts and the three letters.

'I give you nearly every farthing I earn and I never interfere about anything, because I think it's your part to attend to the house, but it seems to me you don't manage things properly.' The woman suddenly burst into a passion of weeping, laying her head on the seat of the chair that was standing near the cradle.
Easton started up in surprise.
'Why, what's the matter ?' he said.
Then as he looked down upon the quivering form of the sobbing woman, he was ashamed.

He knelt down by her, embracing her and apologizing, protesting that he had not meant to hurt her like that.
'I always do the best I can with the money,' Ruth sobbed.

'I never spend a farthing on myself, but you don't seem to understand how hard it is.