At the same time, however, I
noticed evident constraint in their manner. They no longer said
'thee' and 'thou' to me; they no longer spoke roughly; but they
said 'you,' and addressed me as 'mademoiselle.' Poor people! they
awkwardly apologized for having ventured to accept my services,
declaring in the same breath that they should never be able to
replace me at the same price. Madame Greloux, moreover, declared
that she should never forgive herself for not having sharply
reproved her brother for his abominable conduct. He was a good-
for-nothing fellow, she said, as was proved by the fact that he
had dared to raise his eyes to me. For the first time in my life,
I felt that I was sincerely loved; and I was so deeply touched
that if my decision had not been written and signed, I should
certainly have returned to live with these worthy people. But it
was too late. A sister came to tell me that the superior wished
to see me. I bade Father and Mother Greloux farewell and went
downstairs.
"In the superior's room, a lady and two shop-girls, laden with
boxes and parcels, were waiting for me. It was a dressmaker who
had come with some clothes suited to my new station in life. I
was told that she had been sent by the Count de Chalusse. This
great nobleman thought of everything; and, although he had thirty
servants to do his bidding, he never disdained to occupy himself
with the pettiest details. So, for the first time, I was arrayed
in rustling silk and clinging cashmere.
Pages:
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225