Maria, my dear." The silence in the room was appalling; one could almost hear the shiver of apprehension running down the silk-and muslin-clad backs.

The sign was given, however, by the docile Maria, and immediately two enormous baskets were brought in: one, the smaller, containing every possible implement for unlimited sewing by unlimited hands; the other, of alarming dimensions, filled to overflowing with shapeless and questionable garments of a canton-flannel coarse, so yellow, so indestructible, so altogether unwearable and hideous, that had it been branded "charity" in flaming letters, its object could not have been more plainly designated.
Mrs.Upjohn lifted the top article and unfolded it lovingly.

It was a night-dress, atoning in lavishness of material for deficiency in grace of make, and would have been a loose fit for the wife of the giant Chang.
"These, ladies," she said, "as you will have guessed, are for the winter wear of our parish poor.

Though you are not all so fortunate as to belong to our church, still I feel there is not one of you here but will be more than glad to help forward so blessed a charity as clothing the naked" (Mrs.Upjohn, in view of the nature of the garments, spoke even more literally than she intended), "who none the less need your ministrations whether you worship with us or apart.

Maria, my child, Bell, Phebe, Mattie, will you kindly distribute the work among the ladies?
There is another basket ready outside if the supply gives out.