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 was hanging in shreds. The paint was smudged with the grime of countless dirty fingers, but the landlord having no confidence in the capacity of the family for taking care of his property refused to make any improvements. The mattresses were filthy and there were only two sheets that even approached serviceability.

The social worker had tried to help Mrs. Dorello to find a better house, but the shortage of dwellings was so great that this was impossible. Knowing that Mrs. Dorello knew what earnest efforts had been made to secure a better home for the family the social worker suggested that she try to make the best of the one she had. Mr. Dorello was out of the city. Why not surprise him and welcome him back to a spick and span home? Why not try to do over everything before he should return? Partly it was the fun of surprising her husband and partly the spirit of competing against time which stimulated Mrs. Dorello's energy. She tore the remaining paper from the walls and whitewashed them. She painted the woodwork, washed the mattresses, obtained new sheets, and did many other things, so that when her husband returned he found a new home awaiting him.