However, Mathieu managed
affairs so diplomatically that at last the other not only became
reconciled to the terms, but provided the money to purchase a little
linen, and even agreed to supply pocket-money to the extent of ten francs
a month. Thus, five days after Norine had entered Madame Bourdieu's
establishment, Mathieu decided to return thither to hand the girl her
first ten francs and tell her that he had settled everything.
He found her there in the boarders' refectory with some of her companions
in the house--a tall, thin, severe-looking Englishwoman, with lifeless
eyes and bloodless lips, who called herself Amy, and a pale red-haired
girl with a tip-tilted nose and a big mouth, who was known as Victoire.
Then, too, there was a young person of great beauty answering to the name
of Rosine, a jeweller's daughter, so Norine told Mathieu, whose story was
at once pathetic and horrible. The young man, while waiting to see Madame
Bourdieu, who was engaged, sat for a time answering Norine's questions,
and listening to the others, who conversed before him in a free and open
way. His heart was wrung by much that he heard, and as soon as he could
rid himself of Norine he returned to the waiting-room, eager to complete
his business.
Pages:
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174