The Wandering Jew, Book IV.

the most joyous portion of their existence, the sempstress a

d more cheaply by women in prison. Mother Bunch, rather than lose her last resource, offered to take it at the third less; but the linen had been already sent out; and the girl could not hope for employment for a fortnight to come, even if submi

an affectation of austere simplicity. She wore a high-necked dress of a dark color, made full enough to conceal the light elegance of her figure. Her bands of jet-black hair were hardly visible b

her mistress, notwithstanding the marks of kindness and confidence she had received from her. Yet Florine was not entirely cor

ss. In fact, the idea of being thrown out of work, in the midst of so many other painful circumstances, had made a terrible impression upon the young workwoman, the traces of recent tears furrowed her cheeks-without her knowing it, her feat

ade her sit down in a tapestried armchair by the side of a good fire. Georgett

th an air of interest: "Will you not take anythin

ude excited by the least mark of kindness; she felt, too, a pleasing surprise, that he

I only require a little rest, for I come f

of my poor mistress,"-here Florine blushed and sighed;-"so, pray make yourself quite at home. Draw near

uck Mother Bunch, who, notwithstanding her humble condition, was peculiarly susceptible to the influence of everything graceful and delicate. Y

" said she in a grateful tone. "I am

an offer you a place at the fire, mademoiselle

r extreme delicacy, that she might be thought capable of abusing the hospitality of her entertainer, by unreasonably prolonging her visit, she added: "

oment, too, when my poor mistress

here as soon as possible, in order to inform Mdlle. de Cardoville that he, Agricola, had important matters to communicate to her, or to any person that she might se

"to my mistress, M. Agricola has so

Agricola is ignorant of the great calami

," said Florine, casting down her eyes

ricola saw Mdlle. de Cardoville for the first time, he retur

ached my mistress," sa

ound him already gone out, for he also is a prey to great anxieties; but my adopted brother's letter appeared to me so pressing, and to i

already know, my mist

speak myself, I might at least send word by you, that Agricola

lying. Then, turning towards the sempstress, she added: "Y

He is all honor and truth, and you may believe what

gricola said to me, in a quick whisper: 'Tell your generous mistress that her goodness to me will not go unrewarded, and that my stay in that hiding-place may not be useless to her.' That was all he could say to me, for they hurried

ion between his hiding-place here and the important secrets which

some time," said Florine, with a thoughtful air; "M. Agricola

his release from prison, which now, thanks to the generosity of one of his old fellow-workmen, cannot be very distant. But, not knowing if bai

Mother Bunch, she might now have an opportunity of rendering a great service to her mistress. She knew enough of the Princess de Saint-Dizier's hatred of her niece, to feel certain that Agricola's communication could not, from its very importance, be made with safety

the hunchback, looking at F

must confide to no one, except herself, th

Adrienne, may he not address h

Agricola can speak to her. But should she never get well again, tell your adopted brother that it is better for hi

unch, sadly. "The family of your generous mistr

l not mention to any one in the world the step you have taken, or the advice I have given you. The happiness-no, not the happiness,

he sorrowful expression of Florine's countenance; "I will not be ungrat

mademoiselle," cried

her, astonished to see the lar

; for I have perhaps rendered a service to my dear mistress, witho

not hap

e me, whatever may be, your fate,

u appear to have too good a heart, for me to l

do you

nch, with deep sadness, "that you may never know what

ead, and made no answer. She reproached herself, in her excessive delicacy, with having made a communication

ith all my heart; and yet I know not, if my m

d, suddenly: "But let me see! If you are really in

but your generous offer commands my confidence, and may save me from destruction. I will confess to you,

aimed Florine, hardly able

nough for me. Unfortunately, the person who employed

h misery and resignation. "Well! I think I can introduce you to

o francs a day?

u will have to go out by the day, unles

has no right, I know, to be overnice; yet I should prefer to go out by the day,

tely an indispensable c

ut to work-but those who do so, are expected to be decently clad-and I confess without shame

stily, "they will find you the mea

rs were so much above what she could have hoped, and what indeed wa

hould any one be so generous to me, mademoi

re, to leave the future to chance and as those, who have themselves fallen, are little disposed to believe in the infallibility of others, Florine said to herself, that perhaps in the desperate position in which she was, Mother Bunch would not be so scrupulous after all. Therefore she said: "I see, mademoiselle, that you are astonished at offers so much above what you usually gain; but I must tell you, that I am now speaking of a pi

"I can now understand the high wages of which you speak, mademoiselle," resumed she; "onl

sufficient claims; only, I must tell you, they will

d the hunchback, with mild firmness; "but certain duties are an affair of

hed at their questions on such a subject. Make the trial, at all events; what do you risk? If the propositions are suitable-accept them; if

edom, and disarmed her of all suspicion. "On these terms, mademoiselle," said she,

morrow, if

s desire to make some

on is established, will, I am sure, appreciate your good qualities without inquiry; but if

upon you here,

e part of M. Agricola, and a second visit might be discovered, and exc

urself so much trouble, mademoiselle, you have only to as

" said Florine

a tear, "it is because of my ridiculous infirmity, to which this name alludes, that I dread going out to work among strangers, because there are so many

her: "Do not fear. Misfortunes like yours must inspire compassi

oiselle, that you had better ask for Mother B

e Rue Brise-Miche to-mo

How can I ever requ

must judge for yourself. As for M. Agricola, do not answer his letter; wait till he is

the dear you

hey took her, when she was attacked with

row," said

the daughters of Marshal Simon, and was next door to the lunatic as