On the other hand, there would,
of course, be the expense of taking La Catiche's child back to the
village, a matter of thirty francs. Valentine liberally promised to
double that sum; and all seemed to be settled, and she felt delivered,
when she suddenly bethought herself of the other nurse, who had
barricaded herself in her room. How could they get her out in order to
install La Catiche in her place?
"What!" exclaimed La Couteau, "does Marie Lebleu frighten you? She had
better not give me any of her nonsense if she wants me ever to find her
another situation. I'll speak to her, never fear."
Celeste thereupon placed Andree on a blanket, which was lying there, side
by side with the infant of which the new nurse had rid herself a moment
previously, and undertook to conduct La Couteau to Marie Lebleu's room.
Deathlike silence now reigned there, but the nurse-agent only had to give
her name to secure admittance. She went in, and for a few moments one
only heard her dry curt voice. Then, on coming out, she tranquillized
Valentine, who had gone to listen, trembling.
"I've sobered her, I can tell you," said she. "Pay her her month's wages.
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