On this allusion, which reminded her how her poor, laborious hand had been respectfully kissed by the fair and rich patrician, the young workwoman felt a sentiment of gratitude, which was at once ineffable and proud.  But, as she hesitated to respond to the cordial reception, Adrienne embraced her with touching affection.  When Mother Bunch found herself clasped in the fair arms of Mdlle. de Cardoville, when she felt the fresh and rosy lips of the young lady fraternally pressed to her own pale and sickly cheek, she burst into tears without being able to utter a word.  Rodin, retired in a corner of the chamber, locked on this scene with secret uneasiness.  Informed of the refusal, so full of dignity, which Mother Bunch had opposed to the perfidious temptations of the superior of St. Mary’s Convent, and knowing the deep devotion of this generous creature for Agricola—­a devotion which for some days she had so bravely extended to Mdlle. de Cardoville—­the Jesuit did not like to see the latter thus laboring to increase that affection.  He thought, wisely, that one should never despise friend or enemy, however small they may appear.  Now, devotion to Mdlle. de Cardoville constituted an enemy in his eyes; and we know, moreover, that Rodin combined in his character rare firmness, with a certain degree of superstitious weakness, and he now felt uneasy at the singular impression of fear which Mother Bunch inspired in him.  He determined to recollect this presentiment.

Delicate natures sometimes display in the smallest things the most charming instincts of grace and goodness.  Thus, when the sewing-girl was shedding abundant and sweet tears of gratitude, Adrienne took a richly embroidered handkerchief, and dried the pale and melancholy face.  This action, so simple and spontaneous, spared the work-girl one humiliation; for, alas! humiliation and suffering are the two gulfs, along the edge of which misfortune continually passes.  Therefore, the least kindness is in general a double benefit to the unfortunate.  Perhaps the reader may smile in disdain at the puerile circumstance we mention.  But poor Mother Bunch, not venturing to take from her pocket her old ragged handkerchief, would long have remained blinded by her tears, if Mdlle. de Cardoville had not come to her aid.

“Oh! you are so good—­so nobly charitable, lady!” was all that the sempstress could say, in a tone of deep emotion; for she was still more touched by the attention of the young lady, than she would perhaps have been by a service rendered.

“Look there, sir,” said Adrienne to Rodin, who drew near hastily.  “Yes,” added the young patrician, proudly, “I have indeed discovered a treasure.  Look at her, sir; and love her as I love her, honor as I honor.  She has one of those hearts for which we are seeking.”

“And which, thank heaven, we are still able to find, my dear young lady!” said Rodin, as he bowed to the needle-woman.