tation about these things was going on. Some drew nearer,
hoping to overhear the conversation, who were themselves
among the guilty -- and surely that was a thing to try the
patience of a saint. Finally there came Jurgis, urged by
someone, and the story was retold to him. Jurgis listened
in silence, with his great black eyebrows knitted. Now
and then there would come a gleam underneath them
and he would glance about the room. Perhaps he
would have liked to go at some of those fellows with his
big clenched fists; but then, doubtless, he realized how
little good it would do him. No bill would be any less
for turning out any one at this time; and then there
would be the scandal -- and Jurgis wanted nothing ex~
cept to get away with Ona and to let the world go its
own way. So his hands relaxed and he merely said
quietly: "It is done, and there is no use in weeping, Teta
Elzbieta." Then his look turned toward Ona, who stood
close to his side, and he saw the wide look of terror in her
eyes. "Little one," he said, in a low voice, "do not worry
-- it will not matter to us. We will pay them all some~
how. I will work harder." That was always what
Jurgis said. Ona had grown used to it as the solution
of all difficulties -- "I will work harder!" He had said
that in Lithuania when one official had taken his passport
from him, and another had arrested him for being without
it, and the two had divided a third of his belongings. He
had said it again in New York, when the smooth-spoken
agent had taken them in hand and made them pay such
high prices, and almost prevented their leaving his place,
in spite of their paying. Now he said it a third time, and
Ona drew a deep breath; it was so wonderful to have
a husband, just like a grown woman -- and a husband
who could solve all problems, and who was so big and
strong!

The last sob of little Sebastijonas has been stifled, and
the orchestra has once more been reminded of its duty.
The ceremony begins again -- but there are few now left
to dance with, and so very soon the collection is over and

[[19]]

p018 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p019w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p020

v?