?"

"We have got one pound ten," said Grannie. "I looked at the purse this
morning. One pound ten, and sevenpence ha'penny in coppers; that's
all. That wouldn't be a bad sum if there was anythink more coming in;
but seeing as ther' aint, it is uncommon likely to dwindle, look at it
from what p'int you may."

"Well, then, we haven't an hour to lose," said Alison.

"We haven't an hour to lose," repeated Grannie. She looked around the
little room; her voice was cheerful, but there was a dreary expression
in her eyes. Alison noticed it. She got up and kissed her.

"Don't, child, don't; it aint good to move the feelin's when things is
a bit rough, as they are now. We have got to be firm, Alison, and we
have got to be brave, and there aint no manner o' use drawing on the
feelin's. Keep 'em under, say I, and stand straight to your guns.
It's a tough bit o' battle we're goin' through, but we must stand to
our guns, that's wot I say."

"And I too," said the girl, stiffening herself under the words of
courage. "Well now, I know you are a very wise woman, Grannie; what's
to be done?"

"I am going to see Mr. Williams, that old clergyman in Bayswater wot
was so good to me when my husband died. I am going to see him
to-morrow," said Grannie. "Arter I have had a good spell of talk with
him, I'll tell you more."

"Do you think he could get me a situation?"

"Maybe he could."

"I wish you would go to him at once, Grannie. There really doesn't
seem to be a day to be lost."

"What's the hour, child? I don't mind going to him now, but I thought
it might be a bit late."

"Not at all; you'll see him when he comes home to dinner. Shall I go
with you? Somehow I pine for a change and a bit of the air."

"No, darlin', I'd best see him by myself, and then there's the bus fare
to consider; but ef you'd walk with me as far as St. Paul's Churchyard,
I'd be much obleeged, and you can see me into the bus. I am werry
strong, thank the Lord; but somehow, when the crowd jostle and push,
they seem to take my nerve off--particular since this 'and got so bad."

Grannie went into her little room to get ready for her expedition, and
Alison also pinned on her hat and buttoned on her pilot-cloth jacket.
Grannie put on her best clothes for this occasion. She came out
equipped for her interview in her neat black shawl and little quilted
bonnet. The excitement had brought a bright color to her cheeks and an
added light to her blu