Read the excerpt below from Little Women and answer the question. As she came walking in, looking very tired but as composed as ever, she observed that every vestige of the unfortunate fete had disappeared…
Based on the clues provided in the excerpt, which of the following is the best definition of the word vestige as it is used here?

A. the smallest possible amount of something
B. an article of clothing
C. a visible sign left behind after something no longer exists
D. a part that is less developed or of no use