Page:Girls of Central High on the Stage.djvu/186

176 shoes to go 'round—nor petticoats. And then, the baby didn't come along until a month ago and he has to be 'tended some while mamma washes and cleans up around."

Laura looked at Jess meaningly and asked:

"Where's your papa?"

"Oh! he's home," said the child, immediately losing her smart manner of speaking.

"Doesn't he work?"

"Yes, ma'am. Sometimes."

"What's his trade?" asked Jess.

"Huh?"

Maggie Plornish had suddenly become very dull indeed!

"Doesn't your father work regularly?" explained Laura, kindly. "Hasn't he any particular work?"

Maggie considered this thoughtfully. Then she shook her head and with gravity replied: "I guess he's an outa."

"A what?" gasped Jess.

"An outa, Miss."

"What under the sun's an 'outa'?" demanded Jess, looking at Laura.

But Mother Wit understood and smiled. "You mean he's 'most always out of work?" she asked.

Maggie Plornish nodded vigorously.