you need in Monsieur Bendit's
office. When you write tell them exactly what position you occupy in my
employ. If they have anything better to offer you, they will send for you;
if not, they will let you remain here."

"Oh, certainly ... I am sure I shall stay...."

"Yes, I think so. I think it will be best for you. As you will be in the
offices, you will be in communication with my employes; you can take my
orders to them, and you will also have to go out with me, so in that
case you cannot wear your factory clothes, which Monsieur Benoist tells
me are rather shabby."

"They are in rags," said Perrine; "but I assure you, sir, it is not
because I am lazy or that I don't care...."

"I am sure of that," replied M. Vulfran. "Now, as all that will be changed,
you go to the cashier in the counting house, and he will give you a money
order. You can go then to Madame Lachaise in the village and get some
clothes, some linen, hats and shoes; what you need...."

Perrine was listening as though it were not an old blind man with a
grave face that was speaking, but a beautiful fairy who was holding over
her her magic wand.

She was silent. Then his voice recalled her to the reality.

"You are free to choose what you like, but bear in mind the choice you
make will guide me in acquiring a knowledge of your character. Now you
can go and see about your things at once. I shall not need you until
tomorrow."

CHAPTER XIX

SUSPICION AND CONFIDENCE

She went to the counting house, and after the chief cashier and his
clerks had eyed her from head to foot, she was handed the order which M.
Vulfran had said was to be given to her. She left the factory wondering
where she would find Madame Lachaise's shop.

She hoped that it was the woman who had sold her the calico, because as
she knew her already, it would be less embarrassing to ask her advice as
to what she should buy, than it would be to ask a perfect stranger. And
so much hung on the choice she would make; her anxiety increased as she
thought of her employer's last words: "the choice you make will guide me
in acquiring a knowledge of your character."

She did not need this warning to keep her from making extravagant
purchases, but then on the other hand, what she thought would be the
right things for herself, would her employer consider suitable? In her
fancy she had worn beautiful clothes, and when she was quite a little
girl she had been very proud to display her pr