poorly-furnished rooms Madame Patoux herself was conscious of a
mysterious dignity in her surroundings, and moved about on her
various household duties with less bounce and fuss than was her
ordinary custom,--and Henri and Babette sat quiet without being told
to do so, moved apparently by a sudden and inexplicable desire to
study their lessons. All this had been brought about by the advent
of Cardinal Bonpre, who with his kind face, gentle voice and
beneficent manner, had sought and found lodging at the Hotel
Poitiers, notwithstanding Madame Patoux's profuse apologies for the
narrowness and inconvenience of her best rooms.

"For look you, Monseigneur," she murmured, deferentially, "How
should we have ever expected such an honour as the visit of a holy
Cardinal-Archbishop to our poor little place! There are many new
houses on the Boulevards which could have accommodated Monseigneur
with every comfort,--and that he should condescend to bestow the
blessing of his presence upon us,--ah! it was a special dispensation
of Our Lady which was too amazing and wonderful to be at once
comprehended!"

Thus Madame Patoux, with breathless pauses between her sentences,
and many profound curtseyings; but the good Cardinal waived aside
her excuses and protestations, and calling her "My daughter", signed
the cross on her brow with paternal gentleness, assuring her that he
would give her as little trouble as any other casual visitor.

"Trouble!--Ah, heaven!--could anything be a trouble for
Monseigneur!" and Madame Patoux, moved to tears by the quiet
contentment with which the Cardinal took possession of the two bare,
common rooms which were the best she could place at his disposal,