d him not to search
while the poor remains were unburied."

"Why, my goodness! you do not mean to say you are pretending to be
_sorry_ for this rude--miser!" cried Mrs. Frederic, with uplifted hand
and eyes.

"Personally I did not care about him, but, Ada, death demands respect."

"Oh yes, of course. Then there is absolutely nothing to do or to hear."

"Nothing," said Katherine, rather shortly.

"Could I go out and buy anything for you? Surely the executors, whoever
they may be, will give you some money for mourning?"

"I do not think it at all likely. I will tell you what you can do, Ada:
go to my large cupboard and bring me," etc., etc.--sundry directions
followed. "Katherine and I can quite well do all that is necessary
ourselves to make a proper appearance on Friday."

"Very well; and I will come to the funeral too, and bring the boys. A
little crape on their caps and sleeves will be quite enough. They will
produce a great effect. I dare say if I speak to Mrs. Burnett's friend,
that newspaper man, he will put an account into the _Morning News_, with
all our names. Whatever comes, it would have a good effect."

"Of course you can come if you like, Ada, but I would not bring the
boys. Children are out of place except at a parent's grave."

"Well, I do not agree with you, and I do not think you need grudge my
poor children that much recognition."

"Poor darlings! Do you believe we could grudge them anything that was
good for them?" cried Katherine.

"Oh, there is no knowing! Pray is there any plate in the house,
Katherine, or diamonds? You know the nephew's wife _ought_ to have the
diamonds!"

"Do not make me laugh, Ada, while the poor man is lying dead!" exclaimed
Katherine, smiling. "The idea of plate or diamonds in _this_ house is
too funny!"

"Then are the spoons and forks only Sheffield ware?" asked her
sister-in-law. "How mean!"

After a good deal more cross-examination Mrs. Fred rose to depart, her
pretty childish face clouded, not to say very cross.

"I might have saved myself the trouble of coming here," she said.

"We are very glad to see you, and it will be a great help if you can
send or bring the things I want."

"Perhaps, if I wait a little longer, this admirable Mr. Newton may find
something," resumed Mrs. Fred, pausing, and reluctant to move.

"If he does I will let you know immediately," said Katherine; "but there
are numbers of little drawers in the bureau; it will take him a lon