It was not long before Netty came into my room, saying, as she did so-- "Mrs.Smith, what frock shall I put on Alice ?" "The one with a blue sprig," I replied.
"That's in the wash," was answered.
"In the wash!" said I, in a fretful tone.

"How came it in the wash ?" "It was dirty." "No, it wasn't any such thing.

It would have done very well for her to put on as a change to-day and to-morrow." "Well, ma'am, it's in the wash, and no help for it now," said Netty, quite pertly.
I was dreadfully provoked with her, and had it on my tongue to order her to leave my presence instantly.

But I choked down my rising indignation.
"Take the red and white one, then," said I.
"The sleeve's nearly torn off of that.

There isn't any one that she can wear except her white muslin." "Oh dear! It's too bad! What shall I do?
The children are all in rags and tatters!" And in this style I fretted away for three or four minutes, while Netty stood waiting for my decision as to what Alice was to wear.
"Shall she put on the white muslin ?" she at length asked.
"No, indeed! Certainly not! A pretty condition she'd have it in before night! Go and get me the red and white frock, and I will mend it.