I have come to beg you to show it to me. If it is really such as
it was described to me, I will buy it at once."

"Sir," said Mother Etienne, "I am very pleased to meet you; I will
show you Yollande as you ask, but sell her to you?--never. I love
the dear thing far too well to part with her."

"But, Madame, if I give you a large sum? How much do you ask? Name
your figure."

Mother Etienne, without answering a word, went off to fetch the
Cochin-China hen to show to her visitor.

American as he was, he was astounded and was soon convinced that
there had been no exaggeration. This was indeed the curly-haired
hen.

"Well, Madame, how much is it to be?--$1,000, $2,000, $4,000?
Can't you make up your mind?"

"No, sir, please don't insist. I do not want to part with dear
Yollande," and Mother Etienne, distressed and trembling, covered
her hen with caresses.

In vain the American urged. His eyes shone with the desire to
include this marvel in his collection. He could do nothing, and
was finally obliged to retreat.

"Night brings counsel, Madame. I will return tomorrow to visit
you, and I hope you will then decide in my favour. Until tomorrow,