s THE LAST PENNY.

 

that his frugal wife always found it insuffi.
cient for an adequate supply of the wants
of the family, which consisted of her hus-
band, herself, and three children. It can-
not be denied, however, that if Thomas had
cared less about his pipe and mug of ale,
the supply of bread would have been more
liberal. But he had to work hard, and
must have some little self-indulgence. At
least, so he very unwisely argued. This
self-indulgence cost from two to three shil-
lings every week, a sum that would have
purchased many comforts for the needy
family.

The oldest of Claire’s children, a girl ten
years of age, had been sickly from her
birth. She was a gentle, loving child, the
favourite of all in the house, and more es-
pecially of her father. Little Lizzy would
come up into the garret where Claire
worked, and sit with him sometimes for
hours, talking in a strain that caused him
to wonder; and sometimes, when she did
not feel as well as usual, lying upon the