Katy lived way
over on the east side of the city, in a house which was once a handsome
dwelling, but had long since been divided into tenements and given up
to ruin. The Connors were known among their neighbors as a
respectable, hard-working family. The father was a day-laborer; the
mother went out washing; Joe, a boy of fourteen, was in the district
messenger service; after him came Katy, who was employed in
McNaughton's store; and then Ellie, the little invalid. Two younger
children had died in infancy.
Poor Ellie was fast becoming helpless. How different it had been a few
months before! What a sturdy, active, child she was, when one morning
she set out in gay spirits "to earn money for mother!" Like Katy, she
had obtained a position as cashgirl in McNaughton's. And how quick and
smart she was about her duties! The floor-walker commended her twice
during the week, and said he would speak for an increase in her wages.
How proud she felt when Saturday came, and she knew she would have two
dollars and a half to take home! Unfortunately, it was to be dearly
gained.
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