"I am sure you must have heard me.

One hears me like a locomotive, now that I have lost my slimness." She came into the room as she spoke, unwinding a number of black, knitted shawls, in which she was enveloped.

There were so many of them, and of such different shape and texture, that some confusion ensued.

The Abbe ran to her assistance.
"But, Madame," he cried, "how can you suspect me of such a crime?
I came early to make these preparations.

And as for hearing you--would to Heaven I had! For it needs courage to be a Royalist in these days--especially in the dark, by one's self." He seemed to know the shawls, for he disentangled them with skill and laid them aside, one by one.
The Comtesse de Chantonnay breathed a little more freely, but no friendly hand could disencumber her of the mountains of flesh, which must have weighed down any heart less buoyant and courageous.
"Ah, bah!" she cried, gaily.