the espousals of
Tiennette, to whom the queen presented a wedding dress, and whom the
king authorized to wear earrings and jewels. When the handsome couple
came from the abbey to the lodgings of Anseau, who had become a serf,
near St. Leu, there were torches at the windows to sec them pass, and in
the street two lines of people, as at a royal progress. The poor husband
had wrought a silver bracelet, which he wore upon his left arm, in token
of his belonging to the abbey of St. Germain. Then, notwithstanding his
servitude, they cried, "Noel, Noel!" as to a new king. And the good man
saluted courteously, happy as a lover, and pleased with the homage each
one paid to the grace and modesty of Tiennette. Then the good goldsmith
found green branches, and a crown of bluettes on his doorposts, and the
principal persons of the quarter were all there, who, to do him honor,
saluted him with music, and cried out, "You will always be a noble man,
in spite of the abbey!"

Tiennette was delighted with her handsome lodgings, and the crowd of
customers who came and went, delighted with her charms. The honey-moon
passed, there came one day, in great pomp, old abbot Hugo, their lord
and master, who entered the house, which belonged no more to the
goldsmith, but to the chapter, and, being there, said to the newly
married pair:

"My children, you are free, and quit of all claims on the part of the
abbey. And I must tell you that, from the first, I was greatly moved
with the love which linked you to each other. Thus, the rights of the
abbey having been recognized, I determined to complete your joy, after
having proved your loyalty. And this manumission shall cost you
nothing."

Having said this, he touched them lightly on the cheeks, and they
kneeled at his feet and wept for joy. The goldsmith apprised the people
who had collected in the street of the bounty and blessing of the good
abbot Hugo. Then, in great honor, Anseau held the bridle of his mare, as
far as the gate of Bussy. On the way, having taken a sack of money with
him, he threw the pieces to the poor and suffering, crying:

"Largesse! largesse to God! God save and guard the abbey! Long live the
good Lord Hugo!"

The abbot, of course, was severely reproached by his chapter, who had
opened their jaws to devour the rich booty. Thus, a year afterwards, the
good man Hugo falling sick, his prior told him that it was a punishment
of Heaven, because he had neglected their sacred int