She burst into a loud laugh as Victoire entered.
"You look just as much astonished as I expected," cried she.

"Great changes have happened since I saw you last--I always told you, Victoire, I knew the world better than you did.

What has come of all your schooling, and your mighty goodness, and your gratitude truly?
Your patroness is banished and a beggar, and you a drudge in the shop of a _brodeuse_, who makes you work your fingers to the bone, no doubt.

Now you shall see the difference.

Let me show you my house; you know it was formerly the hotel of the Prince de Salms, he that was guillotined the other day; but you know nothing, for you have been out of Paris this month, I understand.