Hence this decoration.

The chambers were paved in red bricks, which were washed every week, with straw mats in front of all the beds.
Altogether, this dwelling, which was attended to by the two women, was exquisitely clean from top to bottom.

This was the sole luxury which the Bishop permitted.

He said, "That takes nothing from the poor." It must be confessed, however, that he still retained from his former possessions six silver knives and forks and a soup-ladle, which Madame Magloire contemplated every day with delight, as they glistened splendidly upon the coarse linen cloth.

And since we are now painting the Bishop of D---- as he was in reality, we must add that he had said more than once, "I find it difficult to renounce eating from silver dishes." To this silverware must be added two large candlesticks of massive silver, which he had inherited from a great-aunt.