"I am always telling her to do so lightly for my uncle and for me; but Mariette has no more memory than--" "The hare," said Josette.
"Just so," replied Mademoiselle; "she has no more memory than a hare,--a very just remark." Four times a year, at the beginning of each season, Mademoiselle Cormon went to pass a certain number of days on her estate of Prebaudet.

It was now the middle of May, the period at which she wished to see how her apple-trees had "snowed," a saying of that region which expressed the effect produced beneath the trees by the falling of their blossoms.

When the circular deposit of these fallen petals resembled a layer of snow the owner of the trees might hope for an abundant supply of cider.
While she thus gauged her vats, Mademoiselle Cormon also attended to the repairs which the winter necessitated; she ordered the digging of her flower-beds and her vegetable garden, from which she supplied her table.
Every season had its own business.

Mademoiselle always gave a dinner of farewell to her intimate friends the day before her departure, although she was certain to see them again within three weeks.

It was always a piece of news which echoed through Alencon when Mademoiselle Cormon departed.