The secret garden

36 THE SECRET GARDENIt's been made into a nursery for thee. I'll helpthee on with thy clothes if tha'll get out o' bed. Ifth' buttons are at th' back tha' cannot button themup tha'self."When Mary at last decided to get up,the clothesMartha took from the wardrobe were not the onesshe had worn when she arrived the night beforewith Mrs. Medlock." *Those are not mine," she said. Mine arcblack."She looked the thick white wool coat and dressover, and added with cool approval:u Those are nicer than mine."" These are th' ones tha' must put on," Martha"answered. Mr. Craven ordered Mrs. Medlockto get 'em in London. He said ' I won't have achild dressed in black wanderin' about like a lostsoul,'he said.'It'd make the place sadder thanit is. Put color on her.' Mother she said sheknew what he meant. Mother always knows whata body means. She doesn't hold with black hersel'."" I hate black things," said Mary.The dressing process was one which taught thembofh something. Martha had " buttoned up " herlittle sisters and brothers but she had never seena child who stood still and waited for another per-