Six common wooden chairs, one or two low stools or benches, a stained work-stand without drawers, and a few other necessary articles, including a bed in one corner, completed the furniture of this apartment, which was used as kitchen and sitting-room by the family, and, with a small room adjoining, constituted the entire household facilities of the family.
"Henry is late this evening," remarked Mrs.Ellis, as she laid the last piece of toast she had been making on the dish standing near the fire.
"He ought to have been here half an hour ago." "And father is late too," said Kate, the oldest daughter, who was engaged with the fretful child.
"Yes--he is late," returned Mrs.Ellis, as if speaking to herself.

And she sighed heavily.
Just then the sound of feet was heard in the passage without.
"There's Henry now," said Kate.
And in a moment after the boy entered.

His face did not wear the cheerful expression with which he usually met the waiting ones at home.
His mother noticed the change; but asked no question then as to the cause.
"I wish father was home," said Mrs.Ellis.

"Supper is all ready." "I don't think it's any use to wait for him," returned Henry.
"Why not ?" asked the mother, looking with some surprise at her son, in whose voice was a covert meaning.
"Because he won't be home to supper." "Have you seen him, Henry ?" Mrs.Ellis fixed her eyes earnestly upon her son.
"Yes, mother.

I saw him go into a tavern as I was coming along.