It is represented by a simple thread, which one wears under one's clothes after a pauper has touched it, as a sign that poverty is holy, and that it will save the world.

There is nothing good except in poverty; and since I have received the price of Les Blandices, I feel that I am unjust and harsh.

It is a good thing that I have placed in my bag several of these mystic ribbons." And, pointing to the horrible carpet-bag: "I have also placed in it a host which a bad priest gave to me, the works of Monsieur de Maistre, shirts, and several other things:" Madame Martin lifted her eyebrows, a little ill at ease.

But the good Madame Marmet retained her habitual placidity.
As the train rolled through the homely scenes of the outskirts, that black fringe which makes an unlovely border to the city, Choulette took from his pocket an old book which he began to fumble.

The writer, hidden under the vagabond, revealed himself.