CHAPTER VIII.
MADAME BECK.
Being delivered into the charge of the maitresse, I was led through a long narrow passage into a foreign kitchen, very clean but very strange.

It seemed to contain no means of cooking--neither fireplace nor oven; I did not understand that the great black furnace which filled one corner, was an efficient substitute for these.

Surely pride was not already beginning its whispers in my heart; yet I felt a sense of relief when, instead of being left in the kitchen, as I half anticipated, I was led forward to a small inner room termed a "cabinet." A cook in a jacket, a short petticoat and sabots, brought my supper: to wit--some meat, nature unknown, served in an odd and acid, but pleasant sauce; some chopped potatoes, made savoury with, I know not what: vinegar and sugar, I think: a tartine, or slice of bread and butter, and a baked pear.

Being hungry, I ate and was grateful.
After the "priere du soir," Madame herself came to have another look at me.

She desired me to follow her up-stairs.