to talk over matters with Monsieur
Gironac, who pointed out to me, that now that I could live upon my own
means, I should endeavour to increase them, so as to be still more at my
ease.

"What do you propose that I should do, then, monsieur," replied I.

"I should propose that you establish yourself as a music-mistress, and
give lessons on the pianoforte and singing. By degrees, you will get a
connection, and you will still be your own mistress."

"And when you have nothing else to do, mademoiselle, you must make
flowers in wax," said Madame Gironac. "You make them so well, that I
can always sell yours when I cannot my own."

"I must not interfere with you, Elise," said I; "that would be very
ungrateful on my part."

"Pooh--nonsense--there are customers enough for us both."

I thought this advice to be very good, and made up my mind to follow it.
I had not money sufficient to purchase a piano just then, as it would
be five months before the half-year's interest of the mortgage would be
due; so I hired one from a dealer with whom Monsieur Gironac was
intimate, and practised several hours every day. Fortune appeared
inclined to favour me, for I obtained employment from four different
channels.

The first and most important was this: I went every Sunday to the
Catholic Chapel with Madame Gironac, and of course I joined in the
singing. On the third Sunday as I was going out, I was touched on the
arm by one of the priests, who requested to speak with me in the vestry.
Madame Gironac and I followed him, and he requested us to sit down.

"Who have I the pleasure of addressing?" said he to me.

"Mademoiselle de Chatenoeuf, sir," replied I.

"I am not aware of your circumstances, mademoiselle," said he, "but the
name is one well known in France. Still those who hold our best names
are very often not in affluent circumstances in this country. I trust,
let it be as it may, that you will not be offended, but the fact is,
your singing has been much admired, and we would wish for your service,
gratuitous, if you are in good circumstances, but well paid for, if you
are not, in the choir."

"Mademoiselle Chatenoeuf is not, I am sorry to say, in good
circumstances, monsieur," replied Madame Gironac.

"Then I will promise that she shall be well rewarded for her exertions,
if she will consent to sing in the chapel--but do you consent?"

"I have no objection, sir," replied I.

"Allow me, then, to call the gentleman wh