e it seemed not only
possible but covetable. The first babble of congratulations and
greetings over, she settled down to the quiet of the room assigned
to her, and gave a sigh as of one who at last finds harborage. If
only this might go on for ever! If only the street might always be
thus silent, the roof thus sheltering, the greetings of simple
friends thus comforting! She made no plans for herself, no
announcement to others of possible plans. It was enough to remain
thus, for a night at least. She was very weary, body and soul.
The pathetic droop at the corners of her brave gay mouth must have
brought sympathy to any who had known her earlier.

"We are not rich, Madame Countess," said Hector the next morning at
the breakfast table, "but, my faith, it is not so bad here. We
have not much to offer Madame, but such as it is, it is quite hers.
With what riches could she produce a hen to lay eggs more perfect
than those which madame beholds this morning? They are the eggs of
Mildred, our most special hen. And this cream, it is from our cow
Suzanne, whose like one does not find in any land for docility and
amiability of disposition. Our roof is small, but it is ours. We
have a yard so large as forty feet to the street yonder. What more
does one demand for flowers or for the onion with green top in the
spring? The couch of madame, was it not soft? Yes? It is from
fowls of this very valley. That scene from the window there, is it
not beautiful? Oh, very well! Others may possess in greater
abundance than we, but as for myself, my business of the cooperage
prospers,--behold my excellent wife Jeanne, yonder,--and this
daughter of ours! What more could human being ask?"

Time and again, Josephine found herself repeating this same
question,--What more could be asked than this? What more did the
great world offer? It had not offered her, long used to luxury, so
much as this. To Hector at this moment she made evasive answer.
"I could willingly tarry with you always, Hector," said she, "if
that were right."

"Right?" demanded Hector, swelling out his chest, "Why is it not
right?" He doubled up a mighty arm to show where the muscles rose
upon it. "See, I am strong! What is one more mouth to feed--could
it even come to that for one of madame's wealth? Madame but jests.
Did not madame bring me that Jeanne there? Ah, if only it were
right for her to linger with us, how happy we should be! Madame is
a nobl