"And what does your father, maiden?"

"He is a vine-dresser, in the gardens of the abbey."

"And your mother?"

"She is a laundress."

"And what is your name?"

"I have no name, my lord. My father was baptized Etienne, my dear mother
is la Etienne, and I am Tiennette, at your service."

"Tiennette," said the goldsmith, "never has maiden pleased me as thou
dost. Hence, as I saw thee at the moment when I was firmly resolved to
take a helpmate, I think I see a special providence in our meeting, and
if I am not unpleasing in thine eyes, I pray thee to accept me a lover."

The girl cast down her eyes. These words were uttered in such a sort,
with tone so grave and manner so penetrating, that Tiennette wept.

"No, my lord," replied she, "I should bring you a thousand troubles and
an evil fortune. For a poor serf, it is enough that I have heard your
generous proffer."

"Ah!" cried Claude, "you know not with whom you have to deal." He
crossed himself, clasped his hands, and said:--"I here vow to Saint
Eloi, under whose protection is my noble craft, to make two inches of
enamelled silver, adorned with the utmost labor I can bestow. One shall