She was really very good to you when you were so sick . She sat up night after night with you , and made me go to bed . There now , dearie , you 're fresh and sweet , and I must hurry to the store , or I 'll be late . Try and have a little nap , and I 'll bring you home some oranges tonight . '' Marcella dropped a kiss on Patty 's cheek , put on her hat and went out . As soon as she left the house , she quickened her steps almost to a run . She feared she would be late , and that meant a ten-cent fine . Ten cents loomed as large as ten dollars now to Marcella 's eyes when every dime meant so much . But fast as she went , her distracted thoughts went faster . She could not send Patty to the country . There was no way , think , plan , worry as she might . And if she could not ! Marcella remembered Patty 's face and the doctor 's look , and her heart sank like lead . Patty was growing weaker every day instead of stronger , and the weather was getting hotter . Oh , if Patty were to -- to -- but Marcella could not complete the sentence even in thought . If they were not so desperately poor ! Marcella 's bitterness overflowed her soul at the thought . Everywhere around her were evidences of wealth -- wealth often lavishly and foolishly spent -- and she could not get money enough anywhere to save her sister 's life ! She almost felt that she hated all those smiling , well-dressed people who thronged the streets . By the time she reached the store , poor Marcella 's heart was seething with misery and resentment .
Three years before , when Marcella had been sixteen and XXXXX nine , their parents had died , leaving them absolutely alone in the world except for their father 's half-sister , Miss Gibson , who lived in Canning and earned her livelihood washing and mending for the hands employed in the big factory nearby .
Marcella Patty cents day doctor dollars house left night weather