Alas! Poor Louise was not pretty, in spite of her large eyes, so loving but not coquettish.

She wore a close, ugly hat, a mantle drawn tightly about her shoulders, colored gloves, and heavy walking-shoes.

Yes, she was a perfect picture of a "two francs an hour" music-teacher.

What a good, brave girl! With what an overflowing heart she had spoken of her family! It was to earn tobacco for her father and a new frock for her pretty sister that she left thus, so early in the misty morning, and rode in public conveyances, or tramped through the streets of Paris in the mud.

The sight of her, more than what she said, gave the weak and melancholy Amedee courage and desire for manly resolutions.
"My dear Louise," said he, with emotion, "I am very fortunate to have such a friend as you, and for so many years! Do you remember when we used to have our hunts after the bearskin cap when we were children ?" They had just left the garden and found themselves behind the Odeon.