"Ellen takes after the Brewsters; they were always handy with their needles." "Can uncle sew ?" asked little Amabel, suddenly, from her corner, in a tone big with wonder.
Eva and the others chuckled, but Mrs.Zelotes eyed the child severely.

"Little girls shouldn't ask silly questions," said she.
Andrew passed his hand with a rough caress over the small flaxen head.

"Uncle Andrew can't sew anything but shoes," said he.
Little Amabel's question had aroused in Mrs.Zelotes a carping spirit even against Ellen.

Presently she turned to her.

"I heard something about you," said she.