What have you been doing?
Did my recommendation procure for you the work you desired ?" Marie-Anne could not fail to be deeply touched by this kindly interest on the part of her former friend.

So, with perfect frankness, and without any false shame, she confessed that all her efforts had been fruitless.

It had even seemed to her that several ladies had taken pleasure in treating her unkindly.
But Mlle.

Blanche was not listening.

A few steps from her stood the flowers brought from Sairmeuse; and their perfume rekindled her anger.
"At least," she interrupted, "you have here what will almost make you forget the gardens of Sairmeuse.