The first was a positive matter of morality--it was quite improper not to wear a fichu; the second was the ensign of a good housewife--she appeared to think that by means of it she somehow effected a large saving in her brother's income. 
The handkerchief was a fichu, worn for propriety; the apron was the sign of a good housewife - she appeared to think that it somehow caused a large saving in her brother's income. 