She had a babe upon her lap, her first and only one.

The room in which she sat, so far from indicating circumstances improved by the passage of a year, was far less tidy and comfortable; and her own attire, though neat, was faded and unseasonable.

Her husband replied not to her inquiring look, and surprised ejaculation, but seated himself in a chair, and burying his face in his hands, remained silent, until, unable to endure the suspense, Ellen went to him, and taking his hand, asked, so earnestly, and so tenderly, what it was that troubled him, that he could not resist her appeal.
"I am discharged!" said he, with bitter emphasis.

"And there is no other establishment in the town, nor within fifty miles!" "O, Henry! how did that happen ?" "I hardly know myself, Ellen, for it all seems like a dream.

When I left home this morning, I did not go directly to the shop; I wanted to see a man at the upper end of the town, and when I got back it was an hour later than usual.