`` No ; they had to borrow money six years ago when Uncle Tom had his first spell of rheumatic fever . This spring it was clear that there was nothing for them but the poorhouse . They went three months ago and terrible hard they took it , especially Aunt Sally , I felt awful about it myself . Jonah and I would have took them if we could , but we just could n't -- we 've nothing but Jonah 's wages and we have eight children and not a bit of spare room . I go over to see Aunt Sally as often as I can and take her some little thing , but I dunno 's she would n't rather not see anybody than see them in the poorhouse . '' Lovell weighed his hat in his hands and frowned over it reflectively . `` Who owns the house now ? '' `` Peter Townley . He held the mortgage . And all the old furniture was sold too , and that most killed Aunt Sally . But do you know what she 's fretting over most of all ? She and Uncle Tom will have been married fifty years in a fortnight 's time and Aunt Sally thinks it 's awful to have to spend their golden wedding anniversary in the poorhouse . She talks about it all the time . You 're not going , Lovell '' -- for Lovell had risen -- `` you must stop with us , since your old home is closed up . We 'll scare you up a shakedown to sleep on and you 're welcome as welcome . I have n't forgot the time you caught Mary Ellen just as she was tumbling into the well . '' `` Thank you , I 'll stay to tea , '' said Lovell , sitting down again , `` but I guess I 'll make my headquarters up at the station hotel as long as I stay round here . It 's kind of more central . '' `` Got on pretty well out west , hey ? '' queried Jonah .
`` Pretty well XXXXX a fellow who had nothing but his two hands to depend on when he went out , '' said Lovell cautiously .
about for if into of over since that to with