l we send you these things?" asked Mme. Lachaise.

"No, thank you," said Perrine, "I will call this evening and fetch them
when the alterations are made."

"Well, then, don't come before eight o'clock or after nine," she was
told.

Perrine had a very good reason for not wishing to have the things sent
to her. She was not sure where she was going to sleep that night. Her
little island was not to be thought of. Those who possess nothing can
dispense with doors and locks, but when one has riches ... for despite
the condescension of the shopkeeper and her assistant, these were riches
to Perrine and needed to be guarded. So that night she would have to
take a lodging and quite naturally she thought of going to Rosalie's
grandmother. When she left Madame Lachaise's shop, she went on her way
to Mother Francoise's to see if she could accommodate her and give her
what she desired; that was a tiny little room that would not cost much.

As she reached the gate she met Rosalie coming out, walking quickly.

"You're going out?" cried Perrine.

"Yes, and you ... so you are free then?"

In a few hurried words they explained.

Rosalie, who was going on an important errand to Picquigny, could not
return to her grandmother's at once, as she would have liked, so as to
make the best arrangements that she could for Perrine; but as Perrine
had nothing to do for that day, why shouldn't she go with her to
Picquigny; and they would come back together; it would be a pleasure
trip then.

They went off gaily, and Rosalie accomplished her errand quickly, then
their pleasure trip commenced. They walked through the fields, chatting
and laughing, picked flowers, then rested in the heat of the day under
the shadows of the great trees. It was not until night that they arrived
back in Maraucourt. Not until Rosalie reached her grandmother's gate did
she realize what time it was.

"What will Aunt Zenobie say?" she said half afraid.

"Oh well...." began Perrine.

"Oh well, I don't care," said Rosalie defiantly, "I've enjoyed myself
... and you?"

"Well, if you who have people to talk to every day have enjoyed
yourself, how much more have I who never have anybody to talk to," said
Perrine ruefully.

"I've had a lovely time," she sighed.

"Well, then we don't care what anybody says," said Rosalie bravely.

Fortunately, Aunt Zenobie was busy waiting on the boarders, so the
arrangements for the room was made with Mother Francoise, who did not