She was a widow lady, who for fifteen years had occupied an apartment on the third floor.

Her name was Madame Gerdy, and she lived with her son Noel, whom she adored.
Noel Gerdy was a man thirty-three years of age, but looking older; tall and well made, with a noble and intelligent face, large black eyes, and black hair which curled naturally.

An advocate, he passed for having great talent, and greater industry, and had already gained a certain amount of notoriety.

He was an obstinate worker, cold and meditative, though devoted to his profession, and affected, with some ostentation, perhaps, a great rigidity of principle, and austerity of manners.
In Madame Gerdy's apartment, old Tabaret felt himself quite at home.

He considered her as a relation, and looked upon Noel as a son.