"Yes, aunt; I will do whatever you please."
"Very well, then, that is settled. I must get your things done up a little first. Your aunt Sophia sent ten pounds for you, and I was thinking that as the girls were going out of mourning—three months, you know, is ample for an uncle—that you might help Plunket to remodel one or two of their dresses for yourself."
Helen felt a lump in her throat, that nearly choked her. She would wear a cast-off garment of Mrs. Home's with pleasure, and accept it as it was meant; but Clara's and Carrie's!—never! And she managed to stammer out,—
"No, thank you, Aunt Julia; I shall do very well."
"But that black every-day dress is not fit to be seen."
"It will do in the school-room,—and I shall get another."
"Now I consider that wanton extravagance, when you can have Clara's for nothing. Perhaps your dignity is offended?" and she laughed at the mere idea of such a possibility, and then added, "By the way, are you proud?"
Helen made no reply, but bent her eyes on her work.
"Then, my dear child, the sooner you get rid of that folly the better,—for poverty, and pride, are no match for one another."
"How soon did you say I was to go to Mrs. Kane's, aunt?"