friend. How often one's destiny depends upon a circumstance apparently
as trivial as this!

"Impudent, worthless creature!" thought Mlle. Blanche.

Then, in cold and sneering tones, that betrayed her hatred unmistakably,
she said:

"You are wrong, believe me, to refuse this offer. This Chanlouineau
will, at all events, save you from the painful necessity of laboring
with your own hands, and of going from door to door in quest of work
which is refused you. But, no matter; I"--she laid great stress upon
this word--"I will be more generous than your old acquaintances. I have
a great deal of embroidery to be done. I shall send it to you by my
maid, and you two may agree upon the price. We must go. Good-by, my
dear. Come, Aunt Medea."

She departed, leaving Marie-Anne petrified with surprise, sorrow, and
indignation.

Although less experienced than Mlle. Blanche, she comprehended that this
strange visit concealed some mystery--but what?

For more than a minute she stood motionless, gazing after her departing
guests; then she started suddenly as a hand was laid gently upon her
shoulder.

She trembled, and, turning quickly, found herself face to face with her
father.