"Yes, Mrs. Hemlock," quavered Charity, tears brimming in her eyes. She took off the green dress and stood naked in the parlor. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Hemlock, I often finish my day's work early. I didn't think it wrong to spend such time before bed in industry."<br/><br/>She was clever with words, and while she did not expect to change her treatment at the Housekeeper's hands, she could not help but try to give an excuse. Perhaps if she handled this situation correctly, she might be allowed to keep the dress. She had, after all, spent some time in altering it and mending it, with thread she had painstakingly hoarded from the short ends that fell to the sewing room floor.<br/><br/>Falling to her knees, she cast her eyes down and murmured, "Please forgive me, Mrs. Hemlock."