“And our minister,” said Sadie.
The gathering of many people caught sight of them presently, and came to meet them, three little girls in mild mourning.
The little girls moved slowly, but the crowd moved rapidly.
The gentlemen laughed, Uncle Charlie and the minister and the papa or two, laughed when they heard, and laughed again, and went on laughing, they leaned against the fence.
But the ladies could see nothing funny, the mammas, nor Aunt Cordelia. That mild mourning had been the result of anxious planning and consultation.
Neither could Miss Carrie. She said they had failed her. She said it in her deepest tones and used gestures.
Sadie wept, for the sight of Miss Carrie recalled afresh the tears she should have shed with Histrionic Talent.
The parents and guardians led them home.
Emmy Lou was tired. She was used to a quiet life, and never before had been in the public eye.
At supper she nodded and mild mourning and all, suddenly Emmy Lou collapsed and fell asleep, her head against her chair.