d
their present triumph than they had formerly understood their ostracism.

The beautiful Bathilde, to whom Vinet had explained Pierrette as
an enemy, was extremely disdainful to the girl. It seemed as though
everybody's selfish schemes demanded the humiliation of that poor
victim. Madame Vinet could do nothing for her, ground as she herself was
beneath those implacable self-interests which the lawyer's wife had come
at last to see and comprehend. Her husband's imperious will had alone
taken her to the Rogron's house, where she had suffered much at the
harsh treatment of the pretty little creature, who would often press
up against her as if divining her secret thoughts, sometimes asking
the poor lady to show her a stitch in knitting or to teach her a bit of
embroidery. The child proved in return that if she were treated gently
she would understand what was taught her, and succeed in what she tried
to do quite marvellously. But Madame Vinet was soon no longer necessary
to her husband's plans, and after the arrival of Madame and Mademoiselle
de Chargeboeuf she ceased to visit the Rogrons.

Sylvie, who now indulged in the idea of marrying, began to consider
Pierrette as an obstacle. The girl was nearly fourteen; the pallid
whiteness of her skin, a symptom of illness entirely overlooked by the
ignorant old maid, made her exquisitely lovely. Sylvie took it into her
head to balance the cost which Pierrette had been to them by making a
servant of her. All the _habitues_ of the house to whom she spoke of the
matter advised that she should send away Adele. Why shouldn't Pierrette
take care of the house and cook? If there was too much work at any time
Mademoiselle Rogron could easily employ the colonel's woman-of-all-work,
an excellent cook and a most respectable person. Pierrette ought to
learn how to cook, and rub floors, and sweep, said the lawyer; every
girl should be taught to keep house properly and go to market and know
the price of things. The poor little soul, whose self-devotion was equal
to her generosity, offered herself willingly, pleased to think that she
could earn the bitter bread which she ate in that house. Adele was sent
away, and Pierrette thus lost the only person who might have protected
her.

In spite of the poor child's strength of heart she was henceforth
crushed down physically as well as mentally. Her cousins had less
consideration for her than for a servant; she belonged to them! She was
scolded for