hese loops are cut that we get the silky sheen of the goods. If they
are not cut we have instead the material known as uncut velvet, largely
used for upholstery purposes. Yet another variety called raised velvet
is made by having loops of different lengths so arranged as to form a
pattern. Sometimes, too, we see figures of velvet woven into backgrounds
of satin. I am sure I need not tell you the name for that sort of
goods."

"Brocade!" Marie cried.

"Quite right!" nodded the priest.

"And velveteen, like my trousers, Father--what about that?" questioned
Pierre.

"Velveteen? Velveteen, my boy, was first made in England, and is a less
expensive material, made largely of cotton."

Pierre looked disappointed.

"Nay, nay, son," exclaimed the kindly priest, noticing his face, "do not
scowl at your clothing. Velveteen is a warm and durable kind of cloth,
and is most useful. Only a prince would be raising silkworms arrayed in
a costume of real velvet; and even then, were he to do it, he would be
an extravagant fellow."

"Is velvet made in America?" Madame Bretton asked.

"America makes almost no velvet cloth, but much velvet ribbon, some of
which is very fine. The American mills also turn out a great deal of
cheaper, cotton-backed velvet ribbon. The best quality of their silk
velvet variety is made on looms the exact width of the goods, and has a
selvage and back of satin."

"Can people make----" began Pierre.

But the priest had sprung resolutely to his feet, and was standing with
his fingers pressed to his ears.

"No more! No more!" he cried. "Not another question will I answer. See,
it is already past your bedtime. Besides, I myself must be getting home.
Would you keep me here forever? Run fetch my hat and stick--off with
you!"

They flew to do his bidding.

Then with a good-night kiss on the brow of each child, and a wave of his
hand to their mother, he was gone.

[Illustration]

CHAPTER V

THE SILKWORMS

The next few weeks were such busy and exciting ones for the Bretton
family that not only did Marie and Pierre find no time for play but
Madame Bretton herself could scarcely snatch the necessary moments to
cook the meals. Josef, the old servant who had always helped Monsieur
Bretton about the silk-house, and who had been too feeble to go to the
war, started low fires in the building where the eggs were to be hatched
and kept the great rooms at an even temperature in readiness for their
com