age, and she was likely to be
compelled to sacrifice her home. He had more than once hinted that he
might need the money but as yet had gone no further.

Mrs. Barclay had one comfort, however, and a great one. This was a
good son. Ben was always kind to his mother--a bright, popular,
promising boy--and though at present he was unable to earn much, in a
few years he would be able to earn a good income, and then his mother
knew that she would be well provided for. So she did not allow
herself to borrow trouble but looked forward hopefully, thanking God
for what He had given her.

"Won't you go up to the Town Hall with me, mother?" asked Ben. I am
sure you would enjoy it."

"Thank you, Ben, for wishing me to have a share in your amusements,"
his mother replied, "but I have a little headache this evening, and I
shall be better off at home."

"It isn't on account of the expense you decline, mother, is it? You
know Mr. Crawford gave me a dollar, and the tickets are but
twenty-five cents."

"No, it isn't that, Ben. If it were a concert I might be tempted to
go in spite of my headache, but a magical entertainment would not
amuse me as much as it will you."

"Just as you think best, mother; but I should like to have you go.
You won't feel lonely, will you?"

"I am used to being alone till nine o'clock, when you are at the
store."

This conversation took place at the supper table. Ben went directly
from the store to the Town Hall, where he enjoyed himself as much as
he anticipated. If he could have foreseen how his mother was to pass
that evening, it would have destroyed all is enjoyment.

CHAPTER III
MRS. BARCLAY'S CALLERS

About half-past eight o'clock Mrs. Barclay sat with her work in her
hand. Her headache was better, but she did not regret not having
accompanied Ben to the Town Hall.

"I am glad Ben is enjoying himself," she thought, "but I would rather
stay quietly at home. Poor boy! he works hard enough, and needs
recreation now and then."

Just then a knock was heard at the outside door.

"I wonder who it can be?" thought the widow. "I supposed everybody
would be at the Town Hall. It may be Mrs. Perkins come to borrow
something."

Mrs. Perkins was a neighbor much addicted to borrowing, which was
rather disagreeable, but might have been more easily tolerated but
that she seldom returned the articles lent.

Mrs. Barclay went to the door and opened it, fully expecting to see
her b