On reception days the door of Rabourdin's study and that of his wife's bedroom were thrown open.

The rooms were thus spacious enough to contain a select company, without the absurdity which attends many middle-class entertainments, where unusual preparations are made at the expense of the daily comfort, and consequently give the effect of exceptional effort.

The salon had lately been rehung in gold-colored silk with carmelite touches.

Madame's bedroom was draped in a fabric of true blue and furnished in a rococo manner.

Rabourdin's study had inherited the late hangings of the salon, carefully cleaned, and was adorned by the fine pictures once belonging to Monsieur Leprince.