"That's in the wash," was answered.

"In the wash!" said I, in a fretful tone. "How came it in the wash?"

"It was dirty."

"No, it wasn't any such thing. It would have done very well for her
to put on as a change to-day and to-morrow."

"Well, ma'am, it's in the wash, and no help for it now," said Netty,
quite pertly.

I was dreadfully provoked with her, and had it on my tongue to order
her to leave my presence instantly. But I choked down my rising
indignation.

"Take the red and white one, then," said I.

"The sleeve's nearly torn off of that. There isn't any one that she
can wear except her white muslin."

"Oh dear! It's too bad! What shall I do? The children are all in
rags and tatters!"

And in this style I fretted away for three or four minutes, while
Netty stood waiting for my decision as to what Alice was to wear.

"Shall she put on the white muslin?" she at length asked.