But the inquisitive old man either did not or would not understand
Margaret's hint to him to retire, and Madame de Vatteville was obliged
to tell him to leave the room.

'Not a penny to bless herself with, though she has come to a better
apartment!' muttered he, enraged at the disappointment to his
curiosity--'and yet as proud as an aristocrat!'

The abbess approached the casement, broke the seal with trembling
hand, and read as follows:--

'I have at length been able to treat with a merchant for the
article in question, and have, after much difficulty,
obtained a sum of 25,000 francs--far beyond anything I could
have hoped. But the sum is to be paid in instalments, at
long intervals. It may therefore be more convenient for you,
under your peculiar circumstances, to accept the offer I now
make of a pension of 1500 francs, to revert after your
decease to the servant whom you mentioned as so devotedly
attached to you. If you are willing to accept this offer,
the bearer will hand you the necessary documents, by which
you are to make over to me all further claim upon the
property placed in my hands; and on your affixing your
signature, he will pay you the first year in advance.

SIMON.'

'What a worthy, excellent man!' joyfully exclaimed the abbess; for, in
the noble integrity of her heart, she had no suspicion that he could
take advantage of her circumstances.