After kissing her mother for good-night, the girl went to her own room about ten o'clock.

The next morning she prepared her mother for the day with the same care, the same prayers, the same prattle.

To her praise be it said that from the day when the terrible infirmity deprived her mother of a sense, Modeste had been like a servant to her, displaying at all times the same solicitude; never wearying of the duty, never thinking it monotonous.

Such constant devotion, combined with a tenderness rare among young girls, was thoroughly appreciated by those who witnessed it.

To the Latournelle family, and to Monsieur and Madame Dumay, Modeste was, in soul, the pearl of price.
On sunny days, between breakfast and dinner, Madame Mignon and Madame Dumay took a little walk toward the sea.