第365章

"She is only the sister of one of my mates.Her mother is the head laundress in our common dwelling, and as she was in want of assistance, and we always take in preference the relations of members of the association, Mrs.Bertin (that's the mother's name) sent for her daughter from Lille, where she had been stopping with one of her aunts, and, for the last five days, she has been in the laundry.The first evening I saw her, I passed three hours, after work was over, in talking with her, and her mother and brother; and the next day, I felt that my heart was gone;

the day after that, the feeling was only stronger--and now I am quite mad about her, and resolved on marriage--according as you shall decide.Do not be surprised at this; everything depends upon you.I shall only ask my father and mother's leave, after I have yours."

"I do not understand you, Agricola."

"You know the utter confidence I have in the incredible instinct of your heart.Many times, you have said to me: 'Agricola, love this person, love that person, have confidence in that other'--and never yet were you deceived.Well! you must now render me the same service.You will ask permission of Mdlle.de Cardoville to absent yourself; I will take you to the factory: I have spoken of you to Mrs.Benin and her daughter, as of a beloved sister; and, according to your impression at sight of Angela, I will declare myself or not.This may be childishness, or superstition, on my part; but I am so made."

"Be it so," answered Mother Bunch, with heroic courage; "I will see Mdlle.Angela; I will tell you what I think of her--and that, mind you, sincerely."

"I know it.When will you come?"

"I must ask Mdlle.de Cardoville what day she can spare sue.I will let you know."

"Thanks, my good sister!" said Agricola warmly; then he added, with a smile: "Bring your best judgment with you--your full dress judgment."

"Do not make a jest of it, brother," said Mother Bunch, in a mild, sad voice; "it is a serious matter, for it concerns the happiness of your whole life."

At this moment, a modest knock was heard at the door."Come in," said Mother Bunch.Florine appeared.

"My mistress begs that you will come to her, if you are not engaged,"

said Florine to Mother Bunch.

The latter rose, and, addressing the smith, said to him: "Please wait a moment, Agricola.I will ask Mdlle.de Cardoville what day I can dispose of, and I will come and tell you." So saying, the girl went out, leaving Agricola with Florine.

"I should have much wished to pay my respects to Mdlle.de Cardoville,"

said Agricola; "but I feared to intrude."

"My lady is not quite well, sir," said Florine, "and receives no one to-

day.I am sure, that as soon as she is better, she will be quite pleased to see you."

Here Mother Bunch returned, and said to Agricola: "If you can come for me to-morrow, about three o'clock, so as not to lose the whole day, we will go to the factory, and you can bring me back in the evening."

"Then, at three o'clock to-morrow, my good sister."

"At three to-morrow, Agricola."

The evening of that same day, when all was quiet in the hotel, Mother Bunch, who had remained till ten o'clock with Mdlle.de Cardoville, re-

entered her bedchamber, locked the door after her, and finding herself at length free and unrestrained, threw herself on her knees before a chair, and burst into tears.She wept long--very long.When her tears at length ceased to flow, she dried her eyes, approached the writing-desk, drew out one of the boxes from the pigeonhole, and, taking from this hiding-place the manuscript which Florine had so rapidly glanced over the evening before, she wrote in it during a portion of the night.