The little glove-cleaner was an old acquaintance; she used to be the friend of a friend of mine, who has married and dropped such friends.

I often saw her in his society.

As soon as I espied her behind her clear little window-pane, I recollected her.

I had on a spotlessly fresh pair of gloves, but I went in and held up my hands, and said to her, 'Dear mademoiselle, what will you ask me for cleaning these ?' 'Dear count,' she answered immediately, 'I will clean them for you for nothing.' She had instantly recognized me, and I had to hear her history for the last six years.

But after that, I put her upon that of her neighbors.