Margaret went over to the side table in the front parlor and returned with a newspaper. “Frank, I was talking to the neighbor. She works at Banner Laundry. She said a laundress just quit because she is pregnant. She says the company likes women from the old countries. I think I need to go there tomorrow… I can’t see how we can hold out without more money. I can take the streetcar with Ludmilla and see.”
“My wee wifey shouldn’a have tae work!”
“Frank, put that aside. We do what we have to do to get by. I’ve worked before; I can work again. Until you – we – get on our feet again. These are tough times, but not as tough as in the old country. Do you nae remember? Just for now…just until spring, maybe. We need to eat, Frank, and winter’s coming. No garden to tide us over. I’ve canned all the vegetables – maybe enough to last the winter. Maybe not. It will be close. We can get those chickens before winter if I get a job.”
Frank hung his head dejectedly for several moments. Then he raised it. His jaw was set with determination. “You are right, of course. I will make it up to you, Margaret. I will make it so you will not need to work for long. I promise you that. I will do right by my wife – and son.”
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