"What is it you're saying?" cried the old man irritably. "I'm well aware you cannot turn old garments into new; but there's a deal of wear left in those clothes yet."
"Look at them!" Maria exclaimed. "Do look at them, sir! The silk's all worn off the buttons of the coat, the sleeves are frayed at the wrist, and the lining's in holes."
"Pooh, nonsense! And even supposing the clothes are in the condition you say, what does it matter? I'm ashamed to hear you talk in such a manner, Maria! I thought you a sensible woman—not one to set store on fine clothes."
"Fine clothes!" Maria echoed. "Well, I was never accused of a love for fine clothes before; but I own I like to see folks dressed respectably. Fine clothes, indeed!"
As though fearing she would be led to say too much, she turned hastily away and left the room, after laying her master's garments on the table.
"Maria is in a bad temper," Mr. Harding remarked; "something must have put her out."
"Does it cost much to buy a suit of clothes, Cousin Robert?" Mousey questioned.
"Several pounds," he replied; "that is, a good suit."
"So much money as that? Look at these buttons. They are shabby, aren't they?"
The little girl had approached the table, and was examining the garments of which Maria had spoken so disparagingly.