I placed the wallflower in the open window, where a ray of sunshine bid it welcome; the birds were singing around, the sky had cleared up, and the day, which began so loweringly, had become bright.  I sang as I moved about my room, and, having hastily put on my hat and coat, I went out.

Three o’clock.—­All is settled with my neighbor, the chimney-doctor; he will repair my old stove, and answers for its being as good as new.  At five o’clock we are to set out, and put it up in Paulette’s grandmother’s room.

Midnight.—­All has gone off well.  At the hour agreed upon, I was at the old bandbox-maker’s; she was still out.  My Piedmontese

   [In Paris a chimney-sweeper is named “Piedmontese” or “Savoyard,”
   as they usually come from that country.]

fixed the stove, while I arranged a dozen logs in the great fireplace, taken from my winter stock.  I shall make up for them by warming myself with walking, or by going to bed earlier.

My heart beat at every step that was heard on the staircase; I trembled lest they should interrupt me in my preparations, and should thus spoil my intended surprise.  But no!—­see everything ready:  the lighted stove murmurs gently, the little lamp burns upon the table, and a bottle of oil for it is provided on the shelf.  The chimney-doctor is gone.  Now my fear lest they should come is changed into impatience at their not coming.  At last I hear children’s voices; here they are:  they push open the door and rush in—­but they all stop in astonishment.

At the sight of the lamp, the stove, and the visitor, who stands there like a magician in the midst of these wonders, they draw back almost frightened.  Paulette is the first to comprehend it, and the arrival of the grandmother, who is more slowly mounting the stairs, finishes the explanation.  Then come tears, ecstasies, thanks!

But the wonders are not yet ended.  The little sister opens the oven, and discovers some chestnuts just roasted; the grandmother puts her hand on the bottles of cider arranged on the dresser; and I draw forth from the basket that I have hidden a cold tongue, a pot of butter, and some fresh rolls.

Now their wonder turns into admiration; the little family have never seen such a feast!  They lay the cloth, they sit down, they eat; it is a complete banquet for all, and each contributes his share to it.  I had brought only the supper:  and the bandbox-maker and her children supplied the enjoyment.

What bursts of laughter at nothing!  What a hubbub of questions which waited for no reply, of replies which answered no question!  The old woman herself shared in the wild merriment of the little ones!  I have always been struck at the ease with which the poor forget their wretchedness.  Being used to live only for the present, they make a gain of every pleasure as soon as it offers itself.  But the surfeited rich are more difficult to satisfy:  they require time and everything to suit before they will consent to be happy.