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 Patty 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 . She had grudgingly offered the girls a home , which Marcella had accepted because she must . She obtained a position in one of the Canning stores at three dollars a week , out of which she contrived to dress herself and Patty and send the latter to school . Her life for three years was one of absolute drudgery , yet until now she had never lost courage , but had struggled bravely on , hoping for better times in the future when she should get promotion and Patty would be old enough to teach school . But now Marcella 's courage and hopefulness had gone out like a spent candle . She was late at the store , and that meant a fine ; her head ached , and her feet felt like lead as she climbed the stairs to her department -- a hot , dark , stuffy corner behind the shirtwaist counter .
It was warm and close at any time , but today it was stifling , and there was already a crowd of customers , for it was the day XXXXX a bargain sale .
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