She was short, madame, but thick.

Oh, it is incredible how thick she was! She uses more cloth than madame, though she is two hand-breadths shorter.

Ah, I am sure that the good God never meant people to be as thick as that.

But then, of course, she is Bavarian and not French." But madame was paying little heed to the gossip of the dressmaker.
Her eyes were fixed upon the statue in the corner, and her lips were moving in prayer--prayer that she might be worthy of this great destiny which had come so suddenly upon her, a poor governess; that she might walk straight among the pitfalls which surrounded her upon every side; that this night's work might bring a blessing upon France and upon the man whom she loved.

There came a discreet tap at the door to break in upon her prayer.
"It is Bontems, madame," said Mademoiselle Nanon.