Not one came out unscathed in this rigorous inquisition. Francoise
inquired of everyone, neighbors, drapers, the principal, the teaching
sisters at school, and gathered the slightest details.

As there is not a girl in the world about whom gossips have not found
something to say, there was not found in all the countryside one young
girl whose name was free from some scandal.

But Mme. Husson desired that the "Rosiere" of Gisors, like Caesar's wife,
should be above suspicion, and she was horrified, saddened and in despair
at the record in her servant's housekeeping account-book.

They then extended their circle of inquiries to the neighboring villages;
but with no satisfaction.

They consulted the mayor. His candidates failed. Those of Dr. Barbesol
were equally unlucky, in spite of the exactness of his scientific
vouchers.

But one morning Francoise, on returning from one of her expeditions, said
to her mistress:

"You see, madame, that if you wish to give a prize to anyone, there is
only Isidore in all the country round."

Mme. Husson remained thoughtful. She knew him well, this Isidore, the son
of Virginie the greengrocer. His proverbial virtue had been the delight
of Gisors for several years, and served as an entertaining theme of
conversation in the town, and of amusement to the young girls who loved
to tease him. He was past twenty-one, was tall, awkward, slow and timid;