She, however, felt somewhat conscience-stricken on account of the pink gingham gown.

It was a new one, and her mother had been obliged to have it made by a dress-maker, and had paid three dollars for that, beside the trimmings, which were lace and ribbon.

Maria wore the gown without her mother's knowledge.

She had in fact stolen down the backstairs on that account, and gone out the south door in order that her mother should not see her.

Maria's mother was ill lately, and had not been able to go to church, nor even to perform her usual tasks.