The sudden stopping of the cab put an end to their conversation.
Leaving the Route d'Asnieres, the driver had turned into the Route de la
Revolte, and had drawn up in front of an unpretentious two-storied house
which stood entirely alone. "We have arrived, mother," said Pascal.

A man, who was standing on the threshold, stepped forward to open
the cab door. It was the furniture-dealer. "Here you are at last,
M. Maumejan," said he. "Come in, and you'll see that I've strictly
fulfilled the conditions of our contract." His words proved true. He was
paid the sum stipulated, and went away satisfied.

"Now, my dear mother," said Pascal, "allow me to do the honors of the
poor abode I have selected."

He had taken only the ground floor of this humble dwelling. The story
above, which had an independent entrance and staircase, was occupied
by the quiet family of the owner. Although the space was small, the
architect had made the most of it. He had divided it into four small
rooms, separated by a corridor; and the kitchen looked out upon a little
garden about four times as large as an ordinary sheet. The furniture
which Pascal had purchased was more than plain; but it was well suited
to this humble abode. It had just been brought in, but any one would
have supposed it had been in its place for a couple of years.

"We shall be very comfortable here," declared Madame Ferailleur. "Yes,
very comfortable. By to-morrow evening you won't recognize the place.
I have saved a few trifles from the wreck--some curtains, a couple of
lamps, a clock--you'll see. It's wonderful how much four trunks can be
made to hold."

When his mother set him such a noble example Pascal would have blushed
to allow himself to be outdone. He very quietly explained the reasons
which had influenced him in choosing these rooms, the principal one
being that there was no concierge, and he was therefore assured absolute
liberty in his movements, as well as entire immunity from indiscreet
gossip. "Certainly, my dear mother," he added, "it is a lonely and
unattractive neighborhood; but you will find all the necessaries of life
near at hand. The owner of the house lives on the floor above. I have
talked with the wife--they seem to be honest, quiet people--and she will
pilot you about. I inquired for some one to do the heavy work, and she
mentioned a poor woman named Vantrasson, who lives in the neighborhood,
and who is anxious to obtain employment. They were to infor