I did not talk about my father to any one but Mr.George, but at night I often lay awake and cried about him.

This habit certainly affected my health, and I had become a very thin, weak child when the home voyage came to restore my strength.
By the time we reached Riflebury, my fashionable new dress was neither new nor fashionable.

It was then that Mrs.Minchin ferreted out a dressmaker whom Mrs.St.Quentin employed, and I was put under her hands.
The little Bullers' things were "made in the house," after the pattern of mine.
"And one sees the fashion-book, and gets a few hints," said Mrs.Buller.
If Mr.George was not duly impressed by my fashionable mourning, I could (young as I was) trace the effect of Aunt Theresa's care for my appearance on other friends in the regiment.

They openly remarked on it, and did not scruple to do so in my hearing.

Callers from the neighbourhood patronized me also.