filled with galloons and ribbons, destined for the capital and the
most distant cities of the world. The good widow was between sixty and
seventy years of age; her appearance was neat and clean; and all the
arrangements of her apartment bespoke industry, frugality, and piety.

"Ah! sir," she exclaimed, as M. ---- entered, "how happy am I to
receive such a visitor!"

"Madam," replied M. ----, "I am not worthy to enter under this roof."

"Why, sir," exclaimed the widow, "you talked to us of Jesus Christ
and--"

"Yes, madam, but I am a poor guilty sinner and hope only for salvation
through the cross. I was yesterday at St.----, where they were
planting a cross with great ceremony; were you there?"

"No, sir; for it is of little use to erect crosses in the streets, if
we do not carry the cross in our hearts, and are not crucified to the
world. But, sir, if you will not he offended, may I ask what you are
called?"

M. ----, giving a general sense to the French phraseology, answered,
"My name, madam, is M----."

"Thank you, sir, I shall not forget; but this is not what I meant; I
wished to know whether you are protestant or catholic, a pastor or a
priest?"

"Madam, I have not the honour to be either; I am a merchant; I desire