'To whom will you go ?' Celeste blushed the more deeply, and twisted her apron.

'I have good clothes; I have saved my year's wages.

I will put up at the inn.

The wife of the innkeeper will be a mother to me now I can pay for my lodging.' At which Madame Verine looked at the Russian lady, and that lady looked at her, and said behind her hand, 'Such a baby, and so clever! It is the mere instinct of wisdom; it cannot be called forethought.' It is to be observed that, all the world over, however carefully a mistress may guard her maid-servant, no great responsibility is felt when the engagement is broken.

Madame Verine shrugged her shoulders and got another servant.