Matilda Ann was trimming a bonnet to
wear to the concert which was to take place that very evening in the
Town-hall, and the roses did look so pretty that Hetty wished she was
grown up enough to have some one come for her in a brand-new buggy, and
take her to a concert; but where was the use of wishing? Every one told
her she must not be too childish, and then every one said she mustn't
think herself a young woman, and want long gowns and trains, and big
braids and puffs--that there was "time enough yet." She wondered what
"time enough" meant. It seemed to her as if it must be the time of
freedom, and certainly that was a long way off.

Jane was sewing strips of woollen cloth together for the big balls that
were to make carpet, and their mother was darning stockings, and they
were all talking about the school-teacher who had lately come to the
little brown house next to the district school. Jane said she was
"hity-tity," mother said she didn't like to see so many furbelows, and
Matilda Ann criticised her manner of wearing her hair; so Hetty ventured
to say, "I don't think it matters much what she wears, or how she looks,
if she can teach the children."

"Yes," said the mother, "it does matter; for children, need a good
example."

"Of course she ought to be neat," said Hetty.

"Yes, and simple, and not be sticking on jewelry every day."

"For that matter, Aunt Maria says people in the city wear diamonds when
they go to market."

"That does not make it any more sensible; fools are to be found
everywhere."

"But, mother, Miss Martin isn't a fool; she is very nice. I think you
would like her."

"Perhaps so," said the mother, somewhat doubtfully; adding: "She had on
a flounced skirt the last time I saw her. It takes a great deal of time
to do them up nicely. Only rich folk ought to wear them."

"Suppose some one gave her her fine clothes?" said Hetty.

"Not very likely; but that would make it a little better."

Hetty went out to take a swing under the elm-tree, wondering why big
people couldn't find something better to talk about than what other
people wore. Then Jane spoke up:

"Hetty always hates to hear others spoken of when they can't take their
own part."

"She's a good little thing, anyhow," said Matilda Ann, who was standing
before the looking-glass, in high good humor, with the new bonnet on,
and turning her head from side to side, so that she could the better
survey the trimmings.

"Well," said M