idea. She calculated, with Manon's assistance, the number of yards of
white calico required for the window curtains, and also for those of
the modest iron bed; and she undertook to buy and have them made for a
price so moderate as to surprise Godefroid. Having brought with him a
certain amount of furniture, the whole cost of fitting up the rooms
proved to be not over six hundred francs.

"We lead here," said Madame de la Chanterie, "a Christian life, which
does not, as you know, accord with many superfluities; I think you
have too many as it is."

In giving this hint to her future lodger, she looked at a diamond
which gleamed in the ring through which Godefroid's blue cravat was
slipped.

"I only speak of this," she added, "because of the intention you
expressed to abandon the frivolous life you complained of to Monsieur
Mongenod."

Godefroid looked at Madame de la Chanterie as he listened to the
harmonies of her limpid voice; he examined that face so purely white,
resembling those of the cold, grave women of Holland whom the Flemish
painters have so wonderfully reproduced with their smooth skins, in
which a wrinkle is impossible.

"White and plump!" he said to himself, as he walked away; "but her
hair is white, too."

Godefroid, like all weak natures, took readily to a new life,
believing it satisfactory; and he was now quite eager to take up his