And in fact they soon had provisions to spare and distributed them among the poor.

Everything was in their own management; they purchased their own supplies, recruited a cook and a few waiters, and did not disdain to lend a hand themselves, in order that everything might be comfortable and orderly.
"It must be very interesting," said M, de Guersaint, when these explanations had been given him.

"Let us go and see it, if we are not in the way." Little Madame Desagneaux thereupon gave her consent.

"Well, if we are going in a party," said she, "I am quite willing.

But when this gentleman first proposed to take Raymonde and me, I was afraid that it might not be quite proper." Then, as she began to laugh, the others followed her example.