Then she turned back to the fire, and her foot resumed its angry tapping on the floor.
'I regret that I cannot receive her better,' my mother answered feebly.
'I have had losses of late.

I--but I will speak of that at another time.
Mademoiselle doubtless knows,' she continued with dignity, 'you and your position in the south too well to think ill of the momentary straits to which she finds me reduced.' I saw mademoiselle start, and I writhed under the glance of covert scorn, of amazed indignation, which she shot at me.

But my mother gently patting my hand, I answered patiently, 'Mademoiselle will think only what is kind, madame--of that I am assured.

And lodgings are scarce to-night in Blois.' 'But tell me of yourself, Gaston,' my mother cried eagerly; and I had not the heart, with her touch on my hand, her eyes on my face, to tear myself away, much as I dreaded what was coming, and longed to end the scene.

'Tell me of yourself.