There was a cheap blue shade on the lamp, and Maria herself was clad in a blue gingham.

All the blue color and the shade on the lamp gave a curious pallor and unreality to the homely room and the two women.

Mrs.
Atkins's hair was strained back from her hollow temples, which had noble outlines.
"I'm going to walk a little way with Ellen, she's going home," said Abby.
"Very well," said her mother.

Maria looked wistfully at them as they went out.

She went on sewing on her blue muslin, rather sadly.