She wants scissars, and lace too--I heard her say.' So Catherine, with a lingering look, departed; and Madame said-- 'Will you, dear cheaile, be so kind to bring here my purse, I forgot on the table in my room; also, I advise you, bring _your_.' Catherine returned with Mrs.Rusk.Here was a man who could tell them something of the old Frenchwoman, at last! Slyly they dawdled over his wares, until Madame had made her market and departed with me.

But when the coveted opportunity came, the pedlar was quite impenetrable.

'He forgot everything; he did not believe as he ever saw the lady before.

He called a Frenchwoman, all the world over, Madamasel--that wor the name on 'em all.
He never seed her in partiklar afore, as he could bring to mind.

He liked to see 'em always, 'cause they makes the young uns buy.' This reserve and oblivion were very provoking, and neither Mrs.Rusk nor Catherine Jones spent sixpence with him;--he was a stupid fellow, or worse.
Of course Madame had tampered with him.