I think yours is a bit too long for that, I'm afraid, but we'll make it look nice, just the same.

[Which isn't to imply that she thinks he wants to be taken for pretty, today, and it only occurs to her afterward that he might take it as such. From Rosella's perspective, it's merely a question of looking one's best, for whatever definition of "best" fits most at the time.

She makes quick work of finishing his part, then takes up one side and divides it into strands, beginning to whip it into a tight, efficient braid.]

She sounds very nice, your mother.