She was careful that they should be of the deepest black, the finest quality, the most fashionable cut; to all of which the bereaved child--a silent undemonstrative mourner--was supremely indifferent.

Her mother noted it with surprise, for Evelyn was a child of decided opinions and wont to be fastidious about her attire.
"Flounces on this skirt, I suppose, Miss?
how many ?" asked the dressmaker.
"Just as mamma pleases; I do not care in the least," returned Evelyn.
"Why Eva, what has come over you ?" queried her mother.

"It is something new for you to be so indifferent in regard to your dress." "You are the only one I care to please now, mamma," replied the little girl in tremulous tones.

"I think there is no one else likely to be interested in the matter." Laura was touched.

"You are a good child," she said; "and I think you may well trust everything to my taste; it is considered excellent by my friends and acquaintance." With thoughtfulness beyond her years Evelyn presently drew her mother aside, out of earshot of the dressmaker, and whispered, "Mamma dear, don't put too much expense on me; you know there is no one to earn money for us now." "No, but he cannot have left us poor," rejoined the mother; "for I know his business has paid very well indeed for years past.