Little Mrs. Sommers one day found herself the unexpected possessor of

fifteen dollars. It seemed to her a very large amount of money, and the

way in which it stuffed and bulged her worn old porte-monnaie gave her a

feeling of importance such as she had not enjoyed for years.

The question of investment was one that occupied her greatly. For a

day or two she walked about apparently in a dreamy state, but really

absorbed in speculation and calculation. She did not wish to act

hastily, to do anything she might afterward regret. But it was during

the still hours of the night when she lay awake revolving plans in

her mind that she seemed to see her way clearly toward a proper and

judicious use of the money.

A dollar or two should be added to the price usually paid for Janie's

shoes, which would insure their lasting an appreciable time longer than

they usually did. She would buy so and so many yards of percale for new

shirt waists for the boys and Janie and Mag. She had intended to make

the old ones do by skilful patching. Mag should have another gown.

She had seen some beautiful patterns, veritable bargains in the shop

windows. And still there would be left enough for new stockings--two

pairs apiece--and what darning that would save for a while! She would

get caps for the boys and sailor-hats for the girls. The vision of her

little brood looking fresh and dainty and new for once in their lives

excited her and made her restless and wakeful with anticipation.

The neighbors sometimes talked of certain "better days" that little Mrs.

Sommers had known before she had ever thought of being Mrs. Sommers. She

herself indulged in no such morbid retrospection. She had no time--no

second of time to devote to the past. The needs of the present absorbed

her every faculty. A vision of the future like some dim, gaunt monster

sometimes appalled her, but luckily to-morrow never comes.

Mrs. Sommers was one who knew the value of bargains; who could stand

for hours making her way inch by inch toward the desired object that was

selling below cost. She could elbow her way if need be; she had learned

to clutch a piece of goods and hold it and stick to it with persistence

and determination till her turn came to be served, no matter when it

came.

But that day she was a little faint and tired. She had swallowed a light

luncheon--no! when she came to think of it, between getting the children

fed and the place righted, and preparing herself for the shopping bout,

she had actually forgotten to eat any luncheon at all!




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