You've got to wear somethin' black, to be decent." Jerome obeyed.

All the incipient masculine authority in him was overwhelmed by this excess of feminine strength.

He washed his face and hands faithfully, and donned his little clean, coarse shirt and his poor best garments.

Then he came down with the black silk neckerchief, and Paulina Maria tied it around his boyish neck.
"His father thought so much of that neckerchief," said Mrs.Edwards, catching her breath.

"It was 'most the only thing he bought for himself for ten year that he didn't actually need." "Jerome is the one to have it," said Paulina Maria, and she made the black silk knot tight and firm.
An hour before the time set for the funeral Ann Edwards was all dressed and ready.