"You don't! Well, I should think you might. Did you ever see a girl in our class before, with a gingham dress on? Of course she wore her very best for the first Sunday; and her hat is of very coarse straw, just the commonest kind, and last year's shape at that; then look at her cotton gloves! I'm sure I think she is as funny a little object as ever came into this room."
"What of it? I am sure she looks neat and clean, and she spoke very prettily, and knew her lesson better than any of us."
"I didn't say she didn't. I was only talking about her clothes."
"Clothes are not of much consequence."
"O Miss Ermina! When you dress better than any of us. Why don't you wear gingham dresses, and cheap ribbons, and cotton gloves, if you think they look as well as nice ones?"
"I did not say that; I wear the clothes my mother gets for me; but I truly don't think they are the most important things in the world."
"Neither do I. You needn't take a person up in that way, as though you were better than anybody else. I am sure I am willing she should wear what she likes."
Then Cecelia Lester took up the conversation:
"She could not be expected to dress very well, of course. Don't you know she is old Joe Decker's daughter?"
"Who is Joe Decker? I never heard of him."